Pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus infection and prospects for control

Abstract

In just six years after the initial description of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, much has been learned about the etiologic agent, the human immunodeficiency virus. The pathogenic mechanisms utilized by this virus to infect selectively and persistently T4+ lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages, leading to immunodeficiency and neurologic dysfunction, are slowly becoming clear. Better understanding of the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus infection is essential for the rational design of therapeutic and preventive strategies to combat this deadly virus.