Transcript General Information

HIV &
the Immune System
The Immune System
Is like a screen in a window….it keeps
the bugs out.
 The body’s defense against illness.
 It keeps the body healthy and prevents
infections.
 It is made of cells, tissues and organs
that work together to protect the body.

Parts Of The Immune System
White Blood cells (CD4+ T helper cells)
 Lymph
 Thymus
 Spleen
 Bone marrow
 Antibodies

An Immune Response

When a foreign substance (antigen) enters our
bodies, our immune system goes those a series of
steps to fight the foreign substance and protect our
bodies.

The antigen is like a “critter” that can cause an
illness

Virus, fungi, bacteria, protozoa (like an insect)
Our Immune response
Some of the “players” include...
Antigen Presenting cells - Cells of the immune system that bring intruders
to CD4+ T cells. (e.g. macrophages
and dendritic cells
)
CD4+ T-cells (also may be called “T4 helper cells”, “T4 cells”, or less
accurately “T-cells”. CD4+ T cells are the conductors of the immune system.
CD4+T-cell
CD8+ T-cells - Some CD8+ T cells, when ordered by CD4+ cells will seek out
CD8+ T-cell
B-cell
and destroy infected cells.
B cells - During an immune response B-cells make antibodies.
Antibodies - Antibodies are made by B-cells, they attach to “critters”, marking
them for destruction by the immune system. Antibodies are specific to the “critter”
(bacteria, virus, or other harmful toxins).
HIV and the Immune System

HIV primarily attacks the CD4+ T cells




The CD4+ cells are the conductor of the immune
system
CD4+ cells are changed into “HIV” producing
cells.
Without a healthy conductor the immune system
can’t work properly.
Let’s talk about how HIV changes the CD4+
cells……