Mechanism of anergy in AIDS and malnutrition

Human immunodeficiency virus, the retrovirus associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is known to deplete CD4+ helper cells and reduce CD8+ cytotoxic cell activity, resulting in impaired cell-mediated immunity and a 'state of anergy'. This leads to dissemination of micro-organisms that are normally held dormant in the host by the cell-mediated immune system. Malnutrition also leads to depletion of CD4+ helper cells and decreases CD8+ cytotoxic cells leading to impaired cell-mediated immunity and 'state of anergy'. Clinical situation can worsen when the two conditions co-exist.