Paper Sample: Influenza Virus and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Effects on the Immune System

Influenza virus affects the immune system by changing their antigens which makes them spread easily without being harmed by the antibodies. They further mutate and exploit the memory B-cells receptors which disrupt the antibody production and initiate the death of these cells thus weakening the immune system and consequently causing flu infections (Kunisaki & Janoff, 2009). Influenza establishes in the respiratory system, particularly the lungs and suppresses the immune system making it vulnerable to bacterial infections.

HIV destroys the CD4+ cells which defend the body from infections and common diseases. The virus invades the immune system and infects these cells, multiplies and destroys them as it produces more viruses and continues the cycle until it weakens they system making it vulnerable to secondary infections (Laufer, 2016). The virus also mutates constantly to avoid recognition and attack by the immune cells and antibodies that defend the body from infections. HIV eventually causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition of less than 200cell/mm3 CD4 cell count and the individual becomes prone to opportunistic infections.

Genetic Mechanism Involved in Human Resistance to HIV

Taborda-Vanegas, Zapata and Rugeles (2011), note that the exposure to HIV-1 does not always result in infection to some individuals due to some genetic mechanism that causes natural resistance. This is due to distinct functional and phenotypic features of the viral co-receptors genetic polymorphism, which control the virus and strengthen the defense of the immune system. The Chemokine Receptor 5 (CCR5) gene mutation is responsible for the resistance of HIV-1 infection and has been identified in 10% of the Caucasian individuals as a result of a 32bp deletion in charge of the expression of the infection.

According to Ali a. Al-Jabri (2007), the mutation in the HIV co-receptor plays a significant role in resistance particularly to individuals with an immune signal receptor that is differently shaped due to mutations. This appearance restricts the HIV from binding to it to cause infection. The CD4 receptors are used by immune cells to detect antigens and initiate responses in the body by amplification of T cell receptor action. Therefore, the individuals possessing this mutation are resistant to the HIV infection.

References

Al-Jabri, A. A. (2007). Mechanisms of host resistance against HIV infection and progression to AIDS. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 7(2), 82.

Kunisaki, K. M., & Janoff, E. N. (2009). Influenza in immunosuppressed populations: a review of infection frequency, morbidity, mortality, and vaccine responses. The Lancet infectious diseases, 9(8), 493-504.

Laufer, M. K., van Oosterhout, J. J., Thesing, P. C., Thumba, F., Zijlstra, E. E., Graham, S. M., ... & Plowe, C. V. (2016). Impact of HIV-associated immunosuppression on malaria infection and disease in Malawi. The Journal of infectious diseases, 193(6), 872-878.

Taborda-Vanegas, N., Zapata, W., & Rugeles, M. T. (2011). Genetic and immunological factors involved in natural resistance to HIV-1 infection. The open virology journal, 5, 35.