Anti-HIV-1 gp24 Antibody (56016) - 500 μg

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting helper T cells (CD4+ T cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells. This leads to a gradual decline in the number of these vital cells, causing the immune system to weaken and become susceptible to opportunistic infections. HIV, a member of the lentivirus genus, is known for causing long-term illnesses with a lengthy incubation period. It's an enveloped RNA virus that, upon entering a cell, uses reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA into DNA. This viral DNA then integrates into the host cell's DNA, allowing the virus to either lie dormant (latent) or become active and replicate, releasing new viral particles to infect other cells. Understanding HIV: From Infection to Immune System Failure HIV is an example of a lentivirus, a type of retrovirus that causes slow, chronic diseases. The virus primarily targets the human immune system, specifically CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. The virus destroys these cells through three main mechanisms: - Direct viral killing of infected cells. - Increased rates of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in infected cells. - Killing of infected cells by the body's own cytotoxic lymphocytes. As the number of CD4+ T cells drops below a critical level, the body's cell-mediated immunity is compromised, making it highly vulnerable to opportunistic infections. The virus's ability to integrate its genetic material into the host cell's DNA using integrase is key to its long-term persistence and ability to cause a chronic infection.