[Molecular biological properties of the AIDS virus]

Genetic information on the AIDS virus, which belongs to the family of retroviruses, is encoded in a single-strand RNA. After infection of the target cell, its genomic RNA is transcribed into DNA by the reverse transcriptase. Subsequently, the DNA can be integrated into the host genome. This viral genome encodes the envelope proteins, the core proteins and the viral enzymes. There are additional genes coding for products which have regulatory functions and determine the interaction between virus and host cell. The replication cycle of the AIDS virus begins with infection of the target cell. After transcription by the reverse transcriptase, the genetic viral information may remain latent or may, under certain circumstances, lead to the expression of viral components which can be assembled at the cell membrane. New viruses are then formed by budding. Theoretically, each step in the viral replication cycle could serve as a target of therapeutic intervention. Up to now, only a few compounds have been investigated in clinical studies.