MYCVIR L5 ENTERO/RETROVIRUS

p24 (CA)

Major capsid protein of HIV-1 that forms the inner conical shell and serves as the primary soluble antigen detected in 4th/5th generation screening assays.

gp120 (SU)

Surface glycoprotein envelope spike of HIV-1 responsible for binding specifically to the host CD4 receptor on T-helper cells and macrophages.

gp41 (TM)

Transmembrane glycoprotein subunit of HIV-1 that anchors the envelope spike and mediates viral-host cell membrane fusion during entry.

p17 (MA)

Outer matrix protein of HIV-1 located between the capsid and envelope that maintains virion shape and structural stability.

Reverse Transcriptase

Retroviral enzyme responsible for converting single-stranded viral RNA (+ssRNA) into double-stranded proviral cDNA.

Integrase

Retroviral enzyme that inserts synthesized proviral cDNA into the host cell chromosome.

Protease

Retroviral enzyme that cleaves precursor Gag-Pol polyproteins into functional mature structural proteins during virion maturation.

gp160

Full-length precursor glycoprotein that is cleaved into functional gp120 (surface) and gp41 (transmembrane) subunits.

CD4+ T cells, Monocytes, Macrophages

Primary target host cells exhibiting specific receptor tropism for HIV entry and infection.

4th Generation Diagnostic Assay

HIV screening test that simultaneously detects anti-HIV-1/2 antibodies and the soluble p24 capsid antigen.

5th Generation Diagnostic Assay

Multiplexed screening test that detects and differentiates anti-HIV-1 antibodies, anti-HIV-2 antibodies, and p24 antigen.

CDC HIV Testing Algorithm (Supplemental Test)

HIV-1 / HIV-2 antibody differentiation immunoassay performed immediately following a positive/reactive 4th/5th generation screening test.

Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)

Confirmatory molecular test indicated when initial screening is positive but differentiation assay is negative/indeterminate; positive NAAT confirms acute HIV infection.

Eclipse Period

Time from initial viral entry into host cell to assembly of first new progeny virus, during which no infectious virions are detectable if host cell is ruptured.

Biosynthesis Period

Specific phase within the eclipse period where integrated provirus actively transcribes viral RNA and translates polyproteins.

Clinical Latency

Stage where HIV actively replicates at low levels in lymphoid tissues while the patient remains largely asymptomatic.

Cellular Latency

State where unintegrated or integrated proviral HIV DNA hides silently in resting CD4+ T cells, invisible to antiretroviral drugs and host immunity.

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)

Class of antiretroviral drugs incorporated into viral DNA causing chain termination; includes AZT (azidothymidine), Tenofovir, Lamivudine (3TC), d4T (stavudine), and Abacavir.

Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)

Class of antiretroviral drugs that bind directly to reverse transcriptase to block RNA-to-DNA conversion; includes Efavirenz, Nevirapine, and Delavirdine.

Protease Inhibitors (PIs)

Class of antiretroviral drugs preventing cleavage of Gag-Pol polyproteins into functional units; includes Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Indinavir, and Amprenavir.

Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs)

Class of antiretroviral drugs preventing proviral insertion into host genome; includes Dolutegravir, Raltegravir, and Elvitegravir.

Enfuvirtide

Fusion inhibitor drug that binds directly to gp41 to prevent viral-host membrane fusion and entry into CD4 cells.

Maraviroc

Chemokine receptor antagonist drug that blocks the CCR5 co-receptor to prevent HIV entry.

HIV-2

Human immunodeficiency virus type endemic primarily to West Africa, characterized by lower virulence and slower progression to AIDS than HIV-1.

Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL)

Malignancy characterized by lymphoma of skin and lymph nodes, caused by Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus 1 (HTLV-1).

HTLV-associated Myelopathy / Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP)

Neurologic condition caused by HTLV-1 featuring progressive extremity spasticity, hyperreflexia, thoracic cord demyelination, and normal CSF lymphocyte counts.

Cell-Associated Transmission

Primary mode of HTLV-1 transmission via infected intact lymphocytes in breast milk, blood transfusions, and semen.

HTLV-2

Human retrovirus isolated in Seattle, USA, from a patient with hairy cell leukemia.