Figure 1

Schematic representation of the BLV viral particle. Two copies of single stranded genomic RNA are packaged in a viral particle. The CA (p24) proteins form a capsid that contains the viral RNA in interaction with nucleocapsid NC (p12). Two enzymatic proteins (RT and IN) required, respectively, for reverse transcription and integration of the viral genome are also packaged into the capsid. The matrix protein MA (p15) interconnects the capsid and the outer envelope that is formed by a lipid bilayer of cellular origin in which a complex of viral proteins (gp51 SU and gp30 TM) are inserted.