Discussion
 
Symptoms & History

Physical Findings

Stop & Think

Lab and X-Ray

Differential Diagnosis

The Disease

Treatment

Conclusions

Quiz & Evaluation
 

 HIV-1 Life Cycle

Single stranded RNA retrovirus.
  • The envelope glycoprotein (gp120), attaches to the CD4 receptor of the T-lymphocyte.
  • The nucleic acid core of the virus enters the cell with help of the gp41 viral surface protein.
  • Reverse transcriptase creates a double stranded DNA copy of the viral genome
  • The newly created viral DNA is incorporated into the host cell genome by means of an endonuclease.
  • Transcription of viral genes now proceeds and the cell begins making new viral core particles, structural and assembly proteins.
  • The viral cores migrate to areas of the host cell membrane containing gp120 and gp41 viral specific glycoproteins.
  • New viruses assemble and bud from the host cell membrane.
  • Life cycle diagram.
The pathophysiology of the infection.         Back
 

 

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