How does HIV infect cells and replicate inside infected cells?

• Virus bind to CD4 T cells via viral coat proteins (gp120 and gp41) • Viral receptor on T cells includes CD4 receptor and chemokine receptors • Once inside cell, viral enzymes activate and begin the viral reproductive cycle • Viral RNA is reverse-transcribed into DNA by reverse transcriptase • Viral DNA integrates into host DNA by enzyme integrase • Integrated viral DNA can remain latent for years • Viral LTRs and host cytokines trigger viral replication • viral particles are assembled following full-length viral RNA and proteins are made • Viral particles are released following destruction of host CD4 T cells