HIV is a member of the genus Lentivirus, part of the family of Retroviridae, which use reverse transcriptase to convert the viral RNA genome into double stranded DNA.
This is then integrated into the cell’s DNA, which is followed by latency or active HIV replication.
HIV primarily infects CD4+ T lymphocytes, resulting in their dramatic decline.
When CD4+ T cell numbers decline below a critical level, cell-mediated immunity is lost, and the body becomes progressively more susceptible to opportunistic infections.
If untreated, this can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Applications:Suitable for use in Immunofluorescence.