Immunology of HIV — filling in the details

• Published in: International Journal of STD & AIDS Vol. 15; no. 9; pp. 574 - 583
• Main Authors: BUCKLAND, M. S, PINCHING, A. J
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.09.2004; Royal Society of Medicine Press; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: AIDS Vaccines; AIDS/HIV; Anti-HIV Agents; Biological and medical sciences; Epidemiology. Vaccinations; General aspects; HIV - immunology; HIV Infections - immunology; HIV Infections - therapy; Human immunodeficiency virus; Human viral diseases; Humans; Immunotherapy; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Viral diseases; Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids; Infection; Virus; Medicine; Immunopathology; Immunology; Sexually transmitted disease; Viral disease; Retroviridae; AIDS; Human immunodeficiency virus; Immune deficiency; Lentivirus
• ISSN: 0956-4624; 1758-1052
• DOI: 10.1258/0956462041724217

The commonest clinical manifestations of HIV infection are due to the progressive immunodeficiency caused by a selective loss of CD4-bearing lymphocytes. HIV infection is, however, associated with a wider range of immunological abnormalities and dysregulation, with an excess of autoimmune phenomena, atopy and secondary immunodeficiencies (e.g. IgG subclass and specific antibody deficiency). These complications of the disease may require modification of usual treatment protocols or explain adverse responses to them, such as the higher than usual incidence of drug reactions. Our understanding of the viral pathogenesis of HIV has facilitated the production of drugs highly specific for the inhibition of HIV replication. The greater challenge is to develop vaccines, both prophylactic and therapeutic alongside other immunomodulatory therapies for HIV.