Question

Which statement best describes the basis for failure to produce a vaccine against HIV?

• A. HIV is a non-mutable gene.
• B. HIV integrates its genome into the host DNA, hence protected from immune system.
• C. HIV is killed by the cellular immunity.
• D. All of the above.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

HIV integrates its genome into the host DNA, hence protected from immune system.

In the bodily fluids, HIV is present as both free virus particles and virus within infected immune cells. HIV infects vital cells in the human immune system such as helper T cells (specifically CD4+ T cells), macrophages and dendritic cells that fight off certain kinds of infections. The virus then uses them as a place to multiply. In doing so, the virus destroys the ability of the infected cells to do their job in the immune system. The body then loses the ability to fight many infections. Hence, the virus cannot be targeted separately. If it has to be targeted with vaccines, there can be a chance of killing the host cells. This is the basis for failure to produce a vaccine against HIV.