[Mechanisms of immunodeficiency in human immunodeficiency virus infection]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads within about 10 years to the progressive collapse of the 2 most complex regulatory networks of the human body: the immune system, and the central nervous system. AIDS results from the loss, in each organ, of a selective cell population: CD4 + T cells in the immune system, leading to immune in competence; neurons in the brain, leading to dementia. Research on AIDS pathogenesis has mainly focused on 2 different approaches: 1. the cytopathic effect of HIV is the main driving force in the collapse of the immune system; 2. the immune system is a major participant in its own destruction, and HIV is the trigger of the immunopathological disturbances that results in disease. These virological and immunological views of AIDS pathogenesis are not mutually exclusive. An integrated approach is required in order to fully understand AIDS, and to design the optimal therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing the development of disease.