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1: APMIS Suppl. 2008;(124):7-13.Links

Evolution of viruses and their impact on human life: HIV-1 subgroup M.

Becker Y.

Department of Molecular Virology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel. becker@ekmd.huji.ac.il

The history of mankind over many millennia has been marred by many epidemics caused by viruses which infect the human respiratory system and alimentary tract. The current HIV-1/AIDS pandemic, however, is caused by one virus mutant, HIV-1M, which has evolved to infect humans through the genitals. The virus is able to use the innate system cells of the infected individual to inactivate the adaptive immune system, causing AIDS. The mechanisms used by HIV-1M to inhibit the immune system are presented. Understanding the viral mechanisms is leading to novel antiviral treatments and an approach to an HIV-1 vaccine.

PMID: 18771092 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]