Introduction of HIV

Understanding the HIV life cycle and HIV replication has made it possible to develop the medications we use to treat HIV and AIDS. Knowing about HIV replication or how HIV makes copies of itself allows us to develop ways to block the process, and in turn slow HIV's attack on our immune system. This article will explain the process of HIV replication, will review the HIV life cycle step-by-step and will explain what HIV medications do to interrupt the process.

Introduction of HIV

Obviously, before HIV infection can occur it must enter the body. Exposure to infected bodily fluids through sexual contact or sharing of neeedles is the primary way HIV enters the body. Infection through child birth and breastfeeding are also ways people become exposed to HIV.

HIV Infection Routes and Risks

Viral Attachment

Once in the body, HIV needs a host to help it reproduce. The host in the case of HIV is the T-cell or CD4 cell. HIV seeks out CD4 cells and must attach to them by way of a "lock and key" type system. Proteins on the surface of HIV attach to complimentary proteins on the CD4 cell much like the way a key fits into a lock.

This is What Viral Attachment Looks Like

Viral attachment is blocked by the class of drugs called entry inhibitors. Blocking this stage prevents HIV from using the T-cell. If allowed to attach, HIV uses the cell for the next steps in reproduction.