Immunopathology and HIV/AIDS

Pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a chronic viral infection caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which primarily targets CD4+ T cells, leading to progressive immunodeficiency.

Mechanism of HIV Entry

• HIV binds to CD4 receptors on T cells via glycoproteins.
• Facilitates entry through co-receptors CCR5 or CXCR4.
• Reverse transcriptase converts RNA into DNA.

Immune System Dysfunction

Once integrated into the host genome, HIV hijacks cellular machinery to produce viral particles, depleting CD4+ T cells and impairing immune responses.

Clinical Manifestations

• Acute retroviral syndrome
• Latent phase with slow CD4+ decline
• Advanced AIDS with opportunistic infections

Conclusion

Understanding the immunopathology of HIV/AIDS aids in therapeutic strategies and vaccine development.