Stages of the HIV life cycle

Binding and fusion

First, the HIV virus attaches itself to a T-helper cell. The spikes on the surface of the HIV particle stick to the cell and allow them to join together. The contents of the HIV particle are then released into the cell.

The type of drugs that can stop this part of the process are called Fusion or Entry Inhibitors.

Reverse transcription and integration

Once inside the cell, HIV changes its genetic material (called HIV RNA) into HIV DNA using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. HIV DNA can then enter the DNA in the nucleus of the T-helper cell and control it.

The type of drugs that can stop this part of the process are called NRTIs, NNRTIs and Integrase Inhibitors.

Transcription and translation

The HIV DNA then makes long strands of messenger RNA proteins, and transports them towards the edge of the cell. This is then used for producing more HIV.

Assembly, budding and maturation

Copies of HIV genetic material are contained among the strands of messenger RNA. These form new HIV particles, which are then released from the T-helper cell. These are then ready to infect other cells and begin the process all over again.