HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It was originally isolated in Paris in May 1983 by Luc Montagnier. It belongs to a group of viruses called retroviruses. Viruses copy their genetic material into the genetic material of human cells. This means that infected cells stay infected for the rest of their lives. Through mechanisms which are still not fully understood, HIV prevents the immune system from working properly. Normally, the body's immune system would fight off infection. But HIV is able to infect key cells (called CD4 cells) which coordinate the immune system's fight against infection. Many are actually destroyed by being infected; others, including CD4 cells which are not themselves infected, no longer work properly. The life cycle of HIV is discussed in detail in Anti-HIV therapy: Ways of attacking HIV.
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