Antigenic diversity thresholds and the development of AIDS

摘要: Longitudinal studies of patients infected with HIV-1 reveal a long and variable incubation period between infection the development AIDS. Data from small number show temporal changes in genetically distinct strains virus throughout period, slow but steady rise diversity during progression to disease. A mathematical model dynamic interaction viral human immune system suggests existence an antigen threshold, below which is able regulate population growth above induces collapse CD4+ lymphocyte population. The that antigenic cause, not consequence, immunodeficiency compared available data, used assess how timing application chemotherapy or immunotherapy influences rate progress