HIV/AIDS and Immune Activation

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. AIDS is a serious medical condition that occurs when HIV has severely weakened the immune system. Immune activation is the body’s response to the virus that helps to fight off the infection. HIV/AIDS and immune activation are linked, with the activation of the immune system helping to control the virus, and the virus contributing to the immune activation. AIDS is a major public health concern, with an estimated 38 million people infected worldwide and over 1.7 million deaths in 2017. Effective treatments, including antiretroviral therapy and immunotherapy, have improved the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS and have the potential to reduce the spread of the virus.