Virology

Question 1

HIV structure

HIV1 the serious one
HIV2 the african one thats less common

Answer 1

Diploid genome (2 molecules of RNA) Positive sense RNA 
the 3 structural genes (protein coded for)
ENV gene: makes gp120 and gp41. Formed from cleavage of gp160 to form envelope glycoproteins. GP120 is a docking protien and attaches to host CD4+ Tcell. GP41 fustion and entry into the cell

GAG gene: makes p24 and p17. P17 is the matrix protein it hugs the inner side of the envelope. P24 is the capsid membrane (the fake nuclear membrane)

POL gene: makes Reverse transcriptase, Integrase, and protease

reverse transcriptase synthesizes dsDNA from genomic RNA, dsDNA integrates into host genome

Virus binds CD4 as well as coreceptor
CCR5 on macrophages macro5ages (early infection)
CXCR4 on CD4 T cells (late infection)

Homozygous CCR5 mutation = immunity
Heterozygous CCR5 mutation, slower course