Structure of HIV and its replication in helper T cells
HIV is a virus that invades helper T cells — the white blood cells that coordinate your immune response. It hijacks those cells to copy itself, gradually destroying your immune system.
Real World
HIV was first identified in humans in the early 1980s; researchers discovered it targets CD4 receptors on helper T cells by observing that patients with AIDS had near-zero TH cell counts, leaving them defenceless against opportunistic infections like Pneumocystis pneumonia.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'describe' HIV replication, include reverse transcriptase converting RNA to DNA — examiners specifically credit this step.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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