Insights into immunopathogenic mechanisms of HIV infection: high levels of immune activation and HIV fitness
Feller, L.; Khammissa, R.A.G.; Wood, N.H.; Meyerov, R.; Lemmer, J.
Sadj Journal of the South African Dental Association 63(10): 552; 554 556-557
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1029-4864 PMID: 19322966 Document Number: 615067
Progressive diminution in the number, and decline in the function of CD4+ T cells are the hallmarks of HIV infection. The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the progression of the disease to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are not well understood, but it appears that HIV-induced immune activation and increase in HIV viral fitness play an essential role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection. In this paper HIV fitness in relation to the chronic immune activation in HIV infection will be discussed.