noun
- viral genetic material that has been integrated into the DNA of a host cell and can remain dormant or be activated to produce new viruses
Usage: biology; virology
Examples
- HIV proviruses can remain inactive in infected cells for years.
- The researchers studied how proviruses integrate into the host genome.
- Some proviruses are activated when the host cell is stressed.
- Scientists are developing treatments to target dormant proviruses.
- The presence of proviruses makes complete viral eradication difficult.
- Certain retroviruses form proviruses as part of their life cycle.