Modes of Human T Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Transmission, Replication and Persistence

[en] Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus that causes\ncer (Adult T cell Leukemia, ATL) and a spectrum of inflammatory diseases (mainly\associated myelopathy---tropical spastic paraparesis, HAM/TSP). Since virions are\particularly unstable, HTLV-1 transmission primarily occurs by transfer of a cell carrying\an integrated provirus. After transcription, the viral genomic RNA undergoes reverse\transcription and integration into the chromosomal DNA of a cell from the newly infected\ The virus then replicates by either one of two modes: (i) an infectious cycle by virus\budding and infection of new targets and (ii) mitotic division of cells harboring an integrated\ HTLV-1 replication initiates a series of mechanisms in the host including antiviral\immunity and checkpoint control of cell proliferation. HTLV-1 has elaborated strategies to\unteract these defense mechanisms allowing continuous persistence in humans.