The
pre-integration complex (PIC) is a
nucleoprotein complex of viral
genetic material and associated viral and host proteins which is capable of inserting a viral genome into a host genome. The PIC forms after uncoating of a viral particle after entry into the host cell. In the case of the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the PIC forms after the Reverse Transcription Complex (RTC) has reverse transcribed the viral RNA code into DNA code. The PIC consists of viral proteins (including
Vpr,
matrix and
integrase), host proteins (including
Barrier to autointegration factor 1) and the viral DNA. The PIC enters the cellular nucleus through the
nuclear pore complex without disrupting the
nuclear envelope, thus allowing HIV and related
retroviruses to replicate in non-dividing cells. Following nuclear entry, the PIC's DNA payload may be integrated into the host
DNA as a "
provirus".