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The genome and proteins of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) have been the subject of extensive research since the discovery of the virus in 1983. [1] [2] "In the search for the causative agent, it was initially believed that the virus was a form of the Human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV), which was known at the time to affect the human immune system and cause certain leukemias.
Two types of HIV have been characterized: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the virus that was initially discovered and termed both lymphadenopathy associated virus (LAV) and human T-lymphotropic virus 3 (HTLV-III). HIV-1 is more virulent and more infective than HIV-2, [20] and is the cause of the majority of HIV infections globally. The lower ...
HIV is a retrovirus that primarily infects components of the human immune system such as CD4 + T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. It directly and indirectly destroys CD4 + T cells. [88] HIV is a member of the genus Lentivirus, [89] part of the family Retroviridae. [90] Lentiviruses share many morphological and biological characteristics.
HIV is commonly transmitted via unprotected sexual activity, blood transfusions, hypodermic needles, and from mother to child. Upon acquisition of the virus, the virus replicates inside and kills T helper cells , which are required for almost all adaptive immune responses .
The HIV capsid consists of roughly 2000 copies of the p24 protein. The p24 structure is shown in two representations: cartoon (top) and isosurface (bottom) The p24 capsid protein is the most abundant HIV protein with each virus containing approximately 1,500 to 3,000 p24 molecules. [1]
Structure of HIV, a lentivirus. The virions are enveloped viruses 80–100 nm in diameter. [6] They are spherical or pleomorphic, with capsid cores that mature to a cylindrical or conical shape. [6] [7] Projections of envelope make the surface appear rough, or tiny spikes (about 8 nm) may be dispersed evenly over the surface. [6]
HIV-1 is the most common and most pathogenic strain of the virus. As of 2022, approximately 1.3 million such infections occur annually. [4] [5] Scientists divide HIV-1 into a major group (group M) and two or more minor groups, namely groups N, O and possibly a group P.
Scanning electron micrograph of HIV-1, colored green, budding from a cultured lymphocyte Diagram of HIV. HIV/AIDS research includes all medical research that attempts to prevent, treat, or cure HIV/AIDS, as well as fundamental research about the nature of HIV as an infectious agent and AIDS as the disease caused by HIV.