Question

The interaction of HIV gp120 antigen with CD4 receptor on T-helper white blood cells is a satisfaction of which of the viral replication phases?

Answer 1

The interaction of HIV gp120 antigen with the CD4 receptor on T-helper white blood cells signifies the attachment phase of the HIV replication cycle, which is the initial step in the viral infection process.

Step-by-step explanation:

Interaction of HIV gp120 and CD4 Receptor

The interaction of HIV gp120 antigen with the CD4 receptor on T-helper white blood cells occurs during the initial phase of viral replication, specifically known as the attachment phase. This is the very first step in the life cycle of HIV, where the viral particle attaches to the cell it is about to infect. Here's how the process unfolds:

1. The HIV gp120 antigen specifically binds to the CD4 receptor, which is a kind of glycoprotein present on the surface of T-helper cells.
2. The viral envelope then fuses with the cell membrane, allowing the HIV capsid to enter the host cell.
3. Inside the cell, the virus will eventually utilize reverse transcriptase to turn its RNA into DNA, integrate into the host's genome, and use the host cell machinery to produce new viral particles.

This initial interaction is critical as it determines the successful entry and subsequent replication of the virus within the host cell, eventually leading to the progression of HIV infection.