Notes on the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus infection

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a clinically multifaceted disease induced by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Infection with HIV is usually followed by a period of clinical latency which is followed by development of AIDS and death. The factors that influence the evolution of HIV infection, and therefore determine the natural history of the disease in each patient are currently unknown, but the profound dysregulation of immunity characteristic of HIV infection is likely to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the disease. Thus, the complex interplay between two different factors, HIV itself and the immune response to the virus, is at the basis of the disease. In this brief review we will summarize the evidences indicating that HIV infection is a virus-induced and mainly immunologically mediated disease.