The HI virus uses the surface molecules gp120 and gp41 to bond simultaneously
to the CD4 and the CCR5 receptor of the host cell.
The virus injects the genetic substance RNA. RNA consists of a strand of
molecules containing all of the information for the construction of new
viruses.
All of the defence cells, phagocytes, helper T cells or dendritic cells
bear CD4 or CCR5 receptors on their surface and are therefore susceptible
to infection with the AIDS virus.
The
enzyme reverse transcriptase rewrites the virus RNA in virus DNA, translating
the genetic information of the virus into the DNA language of the cell.
The enzyme integrase ensures that the virus DNA is inserted into the host
DNA.
A
protease enzyme cuts the virus building blocks produced by the cell into
the right lengths. Only then can functioning viruses containing the RNA
be put together. Another enzyme transforms the cell DNA into virus RNA.
New
viruses are created from the cell components produced by the cell.
Large
numbers of new viruses leave the host cell and can infect further cells.
Every day, up to 100 billion new viruses are created in the body of a person
infected with HIV. They destroy important defence cells in the body and
rob it of its most important form of protection.