CCR5

however the most common type of transmission is sexual transmission (Lewis, 2011). HIV targets the immune system, mainly helper T cells (CD4+ T cells) and macrophages (Dotish, et al. 2014). HIV uses the chemokine receptors CCR5 and/or CXCR4 to infect the CD4+ T cells, virus using only CCR5 receptors called R5, those using only CXCR4 called X4 and those using both called X4R5; once the chemokine receptor has latched onto the virus takes control over the T cell using it to produce more copies of…

ten thousand genes that have appeared in the last forty thousand years appear devoted to strengthening our immune system. One gene, caspase ten, works directly with our immune system against bacteria. A version of the co-receptor of the HIV virus (CCR5) protects people almost completely from the particle. This genetic variant can be found in thirteen percent of the population of Western Europe. There remain other genetic variants created from living in cities that make us more resistant to…

HIV and Aids are known diseases, yet few people actually understand what they are. It is important to know the facts about HIV and Aids, so that one can understand how treatment works. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is similar to many other viruses, like the virus that causes the “flu.” However, the body can fight against the virus that causes the “flu” but can’t fight against HIV. This is because HIV weakens the immune system by destroying T-cells or CD4 cells, which are…

Cognition is defined as a group of higher order brain functions which includes language, emotion, memory, and consciousness. (Purves, 2012) Aside from leading to severe immunodeficiency (AIDS), the HIV-1 lentivirus can also lead to a spectrum of emotional and behavioral disturbances collectively known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). While antiretroviral therapy, such as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has managed to increase the life expectancy of infected…

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, more commonly known as HIV, is a potentially fatal virus that is spread and contracted by humans. Unlike many other viruses that are transmitted HIV has the potential to hide from the human immune system, which prevents the virus from being destroyed. HIV does this by synthesizing a protein known as Nef. This protein aids the virus by convincing the host cell that the virus is actually part of the normal cellular waste, rather than displaying it on the surface of…

Our cramped house was always filled with people. Due to her role in the refugee community, my mother would at times hold preventive workshops on HIV. The workshop mainly constituted of statistics display, stories, contraceptive distribution but mostly laughter. To the people attending, HIV was just another too familiar danger. I was not allowed to attend any of the workshops due to my age, but my perpetual inquisitive nature led me to the discovery of leftover brochures. While reading the…

Introduction Many names, gene therapy, gene editing, genetic spell checking, chromosomal correction, targeted gene repair, and chromosomal engineering have been given to a process that could be the cure for certain genetic disorders where only one gene is affected, such as sickle cell anemia or parkinson’s disease. Germline editing would be a more permanent procedure as it would change the certain genetic sequences which would be inherited by future offspring. Scientists are moving closer…

The growing HIV rates within MSM are so severe that studies have been conducted to explore the possible factors that are leading to the growing rates. A study conducted in Los Angeles that involved 797 MSM and MSM/W from the Sexual Acquisition and Transmission of HIV-Cooperative Agreement Program found that the reason people lack awareness “of HIV status may be due to stigma” (14). With the use of the Internalized Homonegativity index, researchers found that “anti-gay attitudes and perceptions…

Celiac disease and type 1 diabetes are autoimmune disorders within the human body. An autoimmune disorder is a condition where the antibodies of the immune system attack the healthy cells and tissues. Since they’re both autoimmune disorders, the possibility of them being related genetically increases due to same genes to trigger the immune response. Scientist are investigating the possibility of these two disorders having a genetic similarity, causing individuals who have celiac to be more…

HIV Jennifer Raymond Kaplan University HIV The human immunodeficiency virus is commonly referred to as HIV. HIV is a virus that causes damage or kills the body’s immune system cells (HIV/AIDS, 2016). While it is attacking the immune system, HIV destroys CD4 positive T cells, which is a type of white blood cell that is extremely vital to fighting off infection (Understanding HIV/AIDS). The most advanced stage, or more commonly referred to as the “final stage” of HIV, is AIDS; which stands…