Fig. 3.

schematic representation of retroviral replication and integration into a schistosome cell. After entering the cell, the retrovirus RNA genome is reverse transcribed into double-stranded DNA by reverse transcriptase (RT) present in the virion. The DNA copy migrates to the cell nucleus and integrates into the host genome as the provirus. Viral mRNAs are transcribed from proviral DNA by host cell enzymes in the nucleus. Both spliced and unspliced mRNAs are translated into viral proteins in the cytoplasm. The capsid precursor protein, Gag, and RT are translated from full-length RNA. The glycoproteins are translated from spliced mRNA and transported to the cell plasma membrane. Immature virions containing Gag, RT and the genome RNA assemble near the modified cell membrane. [Adapted from Strauss and Strauss (2002)].