What is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and how does it affect the immune system?

Le résumé fourni par la source

This chapter provides an overview of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), detailing its discovery in the early 1980s to current advances in treatment, prevention, and cure research. HIV targets the body’s CD4⁺ T-cells and weakens the immune system. In the absence of treatment, the virus leads to advanced HIV-related illnesses and life-threatening opportunistic infections. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables viral suppression, transforming HIV into a manageable long-term condition. Sustained viral suppression also prevents sexual transmission of HIV (U=U). Despite significant global progress, disparities in testing, access to treatment, and stigma remain major challenges. The chapter also explores public health responses such as the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, testing strategies, and prevention methods including PrEP, PEP, and vertical transmission interventions. Finally, it highlights ongoing research into potential cure, including gene editing, therapeutic vaccines, and novel immunotherapies, detailing both scientific advances and remaining challenges.

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