Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Maturation is the process by which viral particles undergo structural changes to become fully infectious. This step often involves proteolytic cleavage and assembly of viral components.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Maturation typically occurs after the assembly phase in the viral life cycle.
Proteases play a crucial role in the maturation process by cleaving viral polyproteins.
The maturation process ensures that viral particles are structurally competent for infection.
In HIV, maturation involves the cleavage of Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins by the viral protease.
Inhibition of viral maturation is a target for antiviral drug development.