Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Hypotheses on the etiology

AIDS could be caused by a mutant hepatitis B virus or even a prion-like agent. Hepatitis B, as a retro-like virus, might induce cancerous cells, which, like other malignant cells, could produce substances that inhibit macrophages and their activation of T-cells. Hepatitis B, by reverse transcription, might become a provirus in or adjacent to the Ir gene of the major histocompatibility locus (MHC) altering the Ia antigen on macrophages and inhibiting the immune response. A prion could by reverse translation produce a similar effect on the Ir gene or by protein----protein replication create new antigenic proteins which could confuse immune signals from the macrophages to T-cells; create enzymes modifying existing antigenic determinants; and create proteins not recognized as "self" that could initiate a frank, but subtle autoimmune phenomenon. Any one, or an interaction of these events, could create a "negative autoimmunity": the immune system would attack itself.