Figure 32.2 Transcription process in the integrated provirus:

32.4 Translation, Assembly and Release

 

The envelope proteins are synthesized by the “env” gene following splicing. The proteins (gp 120 and gp41) become glycosylated in the endopolasmic reticulum and transported through Golgi apparatus to the surface of plasma membrane. Gag and Pol are produced as polyprotein which later on are cleaved by viral proteases to form individual protein. The virus usually needs more of Gag protein as compared to Pol, hence, the synthesis of Gag protein is always towards the higher side. The envelope proteins in retroviruses are glycosylated while the Gag and Pol proteins are myristylated. Virus assembly takes place at the plasma membrane. Viral protein also migrates to the membrane where genomic RNA interacts with viral protein and gets assembled. Many viral polyproteins undergo cleavage and rearrange after budding through plasma membrane.