HIV consists of nine genes, as listed in Table 1.
Three of the genes provide genetic information for the capsid proteins, envelope proteins, and viral enzymes.
The other six genes are regulatory genes, controlling functions such as uncoating of the HIV genome and the penetration of host cells.
Table 1. Function of HIV Genes.| Gene Number | Abbreviation | Gene Function |
| 1 | gag | capsid proteins |
| 2 | pol | viral enzymes |
| 3 | env | envelope proteins |
| 4 | vif | regulatory gene |
| 5 | tat | regulatory gene |
| 6 | vpu | regulatory gene |
| 7 | nef | regulatory gene |
| 8 | vpr | regulatory gene |
| 9 | rev | regulatory gene |
