Fusion

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The second of seven steps in the HIV life cycle. After HIV attaches itself to a host CD4 cell, the HIV viral envelope fuses with the CD4 cell membrane. Fusion allows HIV to enter the CD4 cell. Once inside the CD4 cell, the virus releases HIV RNA and HIV enzymes, such as reverse transcriptase and integrase.

Related Term(s)
Fusion Inhibitor
Life Cycle
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Fusion is the step when HIV attaches itself to a host CD4 cell and the HIV viral envelope fuses with the CD4 cell membrane.
Life cycle of HIV: 1) cell binding, 2) fusion, 3) reverse transcription, 4) Integration, 5) replication, 6) assembly, and 7) budding out.

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