The Biology of AIDS

Flashcards related to HIV/AIDS lecture notes.

HIV Envelope

Outer surface of HIV

HIV RNA

HIV's genetic material

HIV Capsid

HIV's core that contains HIV RNA

HIV Enzymes

Proteins that carry out steps in the HIV life cycle

HIV Glycoproteins

Protein spikes embedded in the HIV envelope

Retrovirus

A virus made up of RNA and the enzyme reverse transcriptase; in the host, the RNA is transcribed into DNA and incorporated into the DNA of the host's cells.

Oncovirus

A family of retroviruses that causes cancer

Lentiviruses

A family of retroviruses that are slow viruses, including HIV

Foamy viruses or spumaviruses

A family of retroviruses

SIV

(Simian Immunodeficiency Virus) infects nonhuman primates

FIV

(Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) infects cats

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; the most severe form of HIV infection

ELISA test

Used to screen people for HIV infection; if positive, confirmed with Western Blot test

P24 antigen

Detects HIV in the blood much sooner after infection; used to screen blood donated for transfusions

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

A class of drugs available to treat HIV infection

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

A class of drugs available to treat HIV infection

Protease inhibitors

A class of drugs available to treat HIV infection