[The pathogenic effect of human immunodeficiency virus. Molecular biological results]

Recent data suggest that the pathogenicity of HIV is mediated by the production of metabolised viral components which act as hormones. In particular the replication and maturation of T-lymphocytes, and the cellular interaction of immunocompetent cells and nerve cells are affected. The recognition of HIV by the immune system and consequently also the progression of the disease, is influenced by the HLA-type (DR-1) of the infected person. Replication of HIV may be accelerated by the simultaneous presence of other viruses (i.e. cytomegalovirus). So-called apathogenic, attenuated HIV variants have been described.