DOES HIV DISRUPT A NATURALLY-OCCURRING IMMUNE MODULATION SYSTEM

An immune modulation complex is proposed which recognizes and is drive n by an MHC presented epitope of the CD4 molecule present on the surfa ce of up regulated CD4+ lymphocytes. Immune modulation is affected by both CD4 lymphocyte destruction and impairment of their potential for immune recognition. These two processes are carefully controlled by an idiotypic, anti-idiotypic feedback mechanism. The CD4 tropic area of HIV impersonates some components of that feedback loop resulting in in creased CD4 lymphocyte destruction.