We have characterized a new form of human foamy virus (HFV) non-random deleted long terminal repeat (LTR) sizing 1078-bp, deleted in its U3 region, sensitive to the viral transactivator and functional in an infectious proviral clone. Besides two known HFV LTRs of 1260-bp and 1123-bp, this LTR represents the smallest, designed S. Analysis of the LTR sequence shows the presence of short direct repeats surrounding the deletions, suggesting a mechanism generating deletion by misalignment of the growing strand during replication. Our data suggest that the deleted LTRs, preferentially associated with chronic viral infection, could be related with viral persistence.
机构:
DUKE UNIV, MED CTR,HOWARD HUGHES MED INST,DEPT MED, GENET SECT, DURHAM, NC 27710 USADUKE UNIV, MED CTR,HOWARD HUGHES MED INST,DEPT MED, GENET SECT, DURHAM, NC 27710 USA
机构:
DUKE UNIV, MED CTR,HOWARD HUGHES MED INST,DEPT MED, GENET SECT, DURHAM, NC 27710 USADUKE UNIV, MED CTR,HOWARD HUGHES MED INST,DEPT MED, GENET SECT, DURHAM, NC 27710 USA