The body’s immune system reacts vigorously to viral infections.
White blood cells (WBCs) play a crucial role in this response.
HIV: A Unique Challenge
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) specifically targets helper T-cells, which are essential for mounting an immune response.
Infection Process
Attachment and Entry: HIV attaches to and enters helper T-cells.
Reverse Transcription: The virus uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA into DNA.
Integration: The viral DNA integrates into the host cell’s genome.
Replication: The infected cell produces HIV proteins and genetic material, leading to the creation of new viruses.
Viral Spread: New HIV particles exit the infected cell, leading to a rapid increase in viral load.
Immune System's Response
Restriction Factors: Inside infected cells, antiviral proteins attempt to shut down virus production.
Antibody Production: White blood cells, including B-cells, produce neutralizing antibodies that bind to HIV, preventing it from infecting healthy cells.
Killer T-cells and Natural Killer Cells: These cells attack and destroy infected cells using a protein called perforin.
Initial Success and HIV's Counter-Attack
The immune system can temporarily reduce HIV levels through its defenses.
HIV's Counter-Strategies:
Disabling antiviral proteins in host cells.
Constant mutation to evade immune detection.
Consequences of Prolonged Infection
Over time, the immune system becomes exhausted:
Killer T-cells become activated for too long and stop responding.
There is a decline in the production of new helper T-cells.
This leads to a state known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
AIDS and Its Implications
The body becomes immunodeficient, making it vulnerable to infections from otherwise harmless microbes.
No Cure for HIV: There is currently no way to completely eliminate HIV from the body.
Hidden Reservoirs: If treatment stops, HIV can rebound from these reservoirs.
Treatment Options
Antiretroviral Drugs: These can help manage HIV infection, allowing the immune system to recover and maintain functionality.