Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners
Published on: June 30, 2013
B cells in the pathogenesis of AIDS
1Departments of Pathology at the New York Veterans' Administration Medical Center and the New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
In this article, Susan Zolla-Pazner argues that the etiologic agent of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome may infect both B cells and T cells. An infection which activates B cells could alter immunological homeostasis, inducing the activation of suppressor T lymphocytes which impair helper T-cell activity. If the same lymphotrophic agent that infects B cells also destroys helper T cells, the abnormalities of both these sub-populations which are observed in AIDS are readily explained.
Related Concept Videos
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses

