[Pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus infection]

The immunopathogenic mechanisms of the human immunodeficiency virus infection and the precise events that are involved in the clinical latency period are extremely complex and remain unknown. Thus, at the present time, there is no way to prevent or revert the disease, though several and innovative forms of treatment have been developed and different clinical trials on immunization have been conducted. In this review, we describe the molecular biology of HIV-1, the dynamic interactions between HIV and the host, particularly in the clinical latency period, and the factors that induce viral expression. The consequences of HIV infection are influenced by the immunological state of the host, especially by the subtype 1 of CD4+ T cells. The subsequent reaction of the host immune system, with neutralizing antibodies and strong CD8+ T cells response, contain temporarily the course of HIV infection. However, the HIV generates strategies in order to face, evade, and destroy direct or indirectly the immune system. The virus is then activated and replicates without control, producing the progression to AIDS, and inevitably leading to the death. Only the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms could offer definitive alternative treatment or control of HIV infection.