HIV virus

Introduction

The human immunodeficiency virus is a virus that works by infecting the body and attacking the immune system. It is an RNA virus that spreads rapidly throughout the body and causes abnormalities to occur within the immune system and its responses. This, in turn, can lead to other diseases and immune abnormalities. It has been linked to many other diseases, and has infected over 75 million individuals. The virus targets CD4⁺T cells. It then spreads rapidly in the coming days, until the infection plateaus, and the immune system regains some type of control. The virus is transmitted in many different ways, the most well known being sexual contact. Along with this, it can be transferred from mother to child or through needle exposure.

HIV is a single-stranded RNA virus with a diploid genome. The virus inserts parts of its genome into the host DNA, altering the genome of the host and using the host to create viral proteins. It then uses these viral proteins to infect other host cells and the cycle restarts.

If infected, constant treatment and medication can lower blood HIV levels. In fact, levels can get so low that the risk of sexual transmission is virtually zero. Certain regions have higher infection numbers, including the whole continent of Africa, especially Southern and Eastern Africa.

Infection and Immune Response

There is a small window of around 10 days after transmission of the virus where there is no viral RNA present in the body. The end of the eclipse phase is signified by a full body infection beginning in the draining lymph nodes. Cells that have already been infected travel to these nodes and come into contact with CD4⁺CCR5⁺T cells. The virus then infects these cells. Many immune cells, including macrophages, T cells, and others, are key points of infection, as they all express a certain receptor that is easily targeted by HIV viral cells. Once the virus has infected some cells, the spread is incredibly quick. Replication happens at an extremely fast rate. HIV spreads to any area of the body with high concentrations of CD4⁺CCR5⁺T cells, which includes lymphoid tissue present in the gut.

Transmission

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Conclusion

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References

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/nature08237 2. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp201535

Edited by [Jp Timken], student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 116 Information in Living Systems, 2021, Kenyon College.