Viral assembly is the process by which new virus particles, or virions, are formed within a host cell. After a virus infects a cell, it hijacks the cell's machinery to replicate its genetic material and produce viral proteins. These components then come together to form new virions, which are often released from the host cell to infect other cells. This process is crucial for the life cycle of viruses, such as influenza or HIV. Understanding viral assembly helps researchers develop antiviral drugs and vaccines, as targeting this stage can prevent the spread of infections and control outbreaks.