provirus

[ proh-vahy-ruhs, proh-vahy- ]

noun

, plural pro·vi·rus·es.

1. a viral form that is incorporated into the genetic material of a host cell.

provirus

/ ˈprəʊˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. the inactive form of a virus in a host cell

Word History and Origins

Origin of provirus¹

1945–50; pro- ¹ + virus, on the model of prophage

Example Sentences

HIV infects CD4 white blood cells and weaves a DNA copy of its genes—the provirus—into human chromosomes.

From Science Magazine

Viruses insert their genomes into their hosts in the form of a provirus.

From Scientific American

HIV typically splices its provirus into a cell’s genes, which make up only 1% of the human genome.

From Science Magazine

“Reservoirs” of infected cells that hold latent provirus are a key reason why powerful combinations of ARVs cannot eliminate infections and cure people.

From Science Magazine

Furthermore, each tissue sample also contained genetic material from at least one provirus that could still produce viral proteins.

From Scientific American