The HIV Life Cycle

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Key Points

  • HIV damages the immune system by infecting and destroying CD4 cells (CD4 T lymphocytes), which protect the body from infection.
  • HIV uses CD4 cells to multiply and spread through the body in a seven-step process known as the HIV life cycle.

What is a Latent HIV Reservoir?

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Key Points

  • latent HIV reservoir is a group of CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4 cells) in the body that are infected with HIV but are not actively producing new HIV particles.
  • HIV researchers are exploring ways to target and either destroy or silence latent reservoirs as a potential strategy to cure HIV. 

 

What is an Investigational HIV Drug?

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • An investigational drug is a drug that is being studied to determine whether it is safe and effective and how much of the drug is needed to treat a disease or medical condition, such as HIV.
  • Investigational HIV drugs are studied in a series of medical studies known as 

HIV and Rash

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • A rash is an irritated or swollen area of skin that may be itchy, red, bumpy, and painful.
  • A rash may be an early symptom of HIV infection. In people who already have HIV, a rash can develop due to secondary infections or interactions with medicines, including some HIV medicines.
  • A rash caused by an HIV medicine is typically not serious and resolves in several days to weeks without treatment.