[The immunology of the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus]

Abstract

In this work the data contained in the literature and obtained by the author are presented. These data may change the traditional concepts of the immunopathology of AIDS. The analysis of these data indicates that the explanation of disturbances in the immune system, attributing their cause to the cytocidal action of HIV, is simplified. HIV may infect cells containing no antigen CD4. Perhaps, the fusion of gp41 with the membrane of the target cells is necessary for the penetration of HIV into the cells. Macrophages serve as the main reservoir of HIV and may carry the virus to different organs. The prolonged latent period may be ascribed to cytotoxic lymphocytes specifically active against HIV and suppressing its replication. The progress of the disease is due to viral and cellular factors and depends on the functional changes in T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, the formation of immune complexes, the presence of stimulating antibodies and autoimmune phenomena.