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Pathophysiology of HIV Video
ACLS Certification Association videos have been peer-reviewed for medical accuracy by the ACA medical review board.
Video at a Glance
- T cells and B cells come from the same cell line.
- T lymphocytes’ DNA creates antibodies.
- T cells wait inside of the lymph nodes to be presented with their specific antigen.
- Helper T cells are essential because they regulate the activity between the adaptive and innate immune systems.
- HIV is caused by a retrovirus and binds with CD4 receptors on helper T cells. The HIV virus inserts its DNA into the cell, and the T cell begins creating HIV viruses.
- When HIV first enters the body, there is an acute reaction caused by viremia. Flu-like symptoms are common in the early phase of HIV.
- The body responds, and the virus goes into hiding. Over time, HIV slowly destroys helper T cells. At that point, the patient loses antigenic coverage, allowing other antigens to infiltrate the person’s body.
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ACLS Certification Association (ACA) uses only high-quality medical resources and peer-reviewed studies to support the facts within our articles. Explore our editorial process to learn how our content reflects clinical accuracy and the latest best practices in medicine. As an ACA Authorized Training Center, all content is reviewed for medical accuracy by the ACA Medical Review Board.