Reverse transcription complex: the key player of the early phase of HIV replication

Abstract

The early events of retroviral replication following virus–cell fusion and preceding integration of the viral genome into cellular chromatin occur within a context of a large multimolecular complex termed reverse transcription or preintegration complex. While some of the functions of these complexes (e.g., reverse transcription) are well described, most other events involved in assembly and processing of reverse transcription complexes, such as viral uncoating and nuclear transport, are poorly understood, and available data are very controversial. This article reviews the current literature on structure and function of reverse transcription complexes, focusing on the least known and most controversial steps.