Blog 1: HIV and the Immune system.
Through the process of Mitosis, cells divide. During this process, the cell replicates its DNA and forms new cells. This process is the cell’s way of reproducing itself and ensuring that it can continue to carry out the function it is specified for. What could happen when a virus interferes with this vital life process? That virus could have devastating effects on the cell and every other process dependent upon it. A prime example of this is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Research has shown that HIV invades and hosts itself in the cells of our immune system. For some reason, unknown until now, the human immune system is powerless to stop the virus from spreading and taking over. Recent research has shown that HIV is able to gain control over the cells during their time of mitosis. When the cell is attempting to replicate its DNA, the HIV virus is blocking the cell’s information from being transcribed and coding itself into the cell’s DNA. With itself coded into the cell’s DNA, the virus can simply initiate an order and instantly terminate the immune cell.
With this research and insight into the cellular level of infection, new treatments can now be developed. It has been theorized that early medication for HIV can decrease or even stop the virus taking over the cell’s DNA. By stopping this, it is hoped that it will allow for a higher immune system of HIV infected individuals. This research will likely provide a much deeper understanding of how the virus functions and how it rapidly progresses. Ultimately, it may be possible to vaccinate or even cure HIV in the future.
Sources:
Tortora, Gerard J. Bryan Derrickson. A&P; principles of anatomy & physiology 13th edition. John Wiley & Sons, inc. 2011. Chapter 3.7 Cell Division.
NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “Scientists discover how HIV kills immune cells; findings have implications for HIV treatment.” ScienceDaily, 5 Jun. 2013. Web. 12 Sep. 2013.