NEET · BiologyHard

In the context of HIV infection, which of the following best describes the mechanism by which the virus evades the host immune system during the clinical latency period?

  1. A.Rapid mutation of the viral envelope glycoprotein leading to antigenic variation
  2. B.Complete integration of the viral genome into the host cell nucleus preventing transcription
  3. C.Downregulation of class molecules on all infected cells to prevent cell recognition
  4. D.Sequestration of viral particles within the central nervous system to avoid circulating antibodies
Show correct answer & step-by-step solution

Correct answer: ARapid mutation of the viral envelope glycoprotein leading to antigenic variation

Solution

  1. HIV utilizes the enzyme reverse transcriptase which lacks proofreading capability.
  2. This leads to a high frequency of mutations in the viral genome, particularly in the gene encoding .
  3. The resulting antigenic variation allows the virus to escape recognition by existing neutralizing antibodies.
  4. Hence the answer is (A).

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