Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners
Published on: June 30, 2013
[Physiopathology of HIV-2 infection]
Benoît Visseaux1, Quentin Le Hingrat1, Florence Damond1
1Paris University, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat-Claude-Bernard, IAME, Inserm, Laboratoire de virologie, 46 rue Henri-Huchard 75018 Paris, France.
Abstract:
The HIV-2 virus is not widely spread worldwide, with only one to three million infected people, mainly in West Africa. HIV-2 is responsible for an attenuated infection compared to HIV-1. Thus, HIV-2 infection is characterized by low and frequently undetectable viral loads and a slower course to AIDS. Describing the infection natural history differences between these two viruses, and then determining the mechanisms underlying the HIV-2 lower pathogenicity, is essential to identify the mechanisms underlying the immunopathogenicity of HIV infection. Studies conducted to date have identified both host-related and virus-related factors contributing to an improved immune control and the attenuated viral replication. In this review, we summarize the origins and epidemiology of HIV-2, the natural history of infection, the main virological tools for monitoring the infection course, and the main mechanisms explaining the attenuated infection of HIV-2. We also indicate the points remaining to be explored.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
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...
Retroviruses
Sexually Transmitted Infections

