👉 HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a retrovirus that primarily targets and destroys CD4+ T cells, crucial components of the immune system. The virus enters host cells by binding to CD4 receptors and co-receptors on the cell surface, facilitating its entry through membrane fusion. Once inside, HIV reverse transcribes its RNA genome into DNA using the enzyme reverse transcriptase, integrating it into the host's genome with the help of integrase. This integrated viral DNA can remain dormant or be transcribed into new viral RNA and proteins, leading to the assembly of new virus particles that are then released to infect other cells. Over time, this relentless replication and destruction of immune cells weaken the body's defense mechanisms, potentially progressing to AIDS if left untreated.
