HIV retrovirus. Schematic illustration of the structure of a retrovirus,such as the HIV-1 virus that causes AIDS. At centre are RNA strands (rainbow colours) making up the viral genetic material. The RNA is enclosed in a core protein shell (yellow). The outer envelope (blue) consists of a lipid bi-layer,with protein spikes (orange). In the HIV virus the spikes consist of a glycoprotein,gp120,and it is these that recognise CD4 markers on white blood T-cells,allowing the T-cells to become infected. The HIV virus kills T-cells after using them to reproduce its viral RNA,thus weakening the immune system of the human host | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Kulyk, Mehau |
Taille de l’image : | 2754 px × 3541 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
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