A common misconception is that our immune system fails to make a productive immune response to HIV infection, thereby leading to chronic infection. In fact, following a primary HIV infection, our immune system:
A) Generates a response, but it is an inappropriate Type II instead of a Type I response
B) Generates a response characterized by a cytokine storm that is poor at controlling virus replication
C) Generates a response that efficiently controls viral replication
D) Generates immunity at the mucosal surfaces, but does not control the systemic infection
E) Generates a T cell but not an antibody response to the virus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Our immune system generates a response that efficiently controls viral replication. However, HIV has developed a variety of strategies to evade this response and establish chronic infection. It primarily targets CD4 T cells, which are critical to coordinating an effective immune response. Additionally, HIV can rapidly mutate and evade recognition by the immune system. Therefore, while a strong initial immune response to HIV is mounted, the virus can continue to replicate and persist in the body.

A Common Misconception Is That Our Immune System Fails to Make