What is the process of viral transfection (transduction)?

A viral vector, protected by an envelope, carries foreign nucleic acids into its capsid. the virus interacts with the host cell using surface proteins on its envelope. once inside the cell, the virus releases its nucleic acids. viruses that are often used for transduction are retroviruses (RNAs), adenoviruses (double-stranded DNA) and adeno-associated viruses (single-stranded DNA). retroviruses contain the enzyme integrase which allows for stable transfection.