FIG 1 .

Comparison between the classical HIV-1 replication cycle and the proposed alternative replication cycle of the 3′-PPT mutant. (Left) The classical HIV-1 replication cycle leading to the integration of viral DNA at the level of genomic DNA. (Right) The proposed alternative replication cycle leading mainly to the formation of 1-LTR circles during the reverse transcription steps. The CAGT sequence inside the mutated 3′ PPT, upstream of U3, could be an enhancer of transcription initiation, allowing viral production from 1-LTR circles and explaining the resistance to DTG.