FIG. 1.

Schematic representation of the main HIV-1 mRNA species. The relative positions of the viral genes are indicated on the map on top. The main mRNAs coding for the viral genes are grouped in three categories, ∼9-kb, ∼4-kb, and ∼2-kb. The solid line represents the exons in each mRNA. The 5′ ss and 3′ ss are indicated on the viral genomic (∼9-kb unspliced) mRNA. The 5′ ss and 3′ ss utilized to generate the main mRNA species are also indicated. The mRNA nomenclature is as previously described (33). The starting AUG for the viral genes is indicated. Primers utilized in the qPCR and semiquantitative PCR assays are also indicated (half arrows).