reviewCold Spring Harbor Perspectives in MedicineSep 1, 2011BRONZE OA

Origins of HIV and the AIDS Pandemic

PMPaul M. SharpBHBeatrice H. Hahn

University of Edinburgh · Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution · +1 more institution

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Abstract

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) of humans is caused by two lentiviruses, human immunodeficiency viruses types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2). Here, we describe the origins and evolution of these viruses, and the circumstances that led to the AIDS pandemic. Both HIVs are the result of multiple cross-species transmissions of simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) naturally infecting African primates. Most of these transfers resulted in viruses that spread in humans to only a limited extent. However, one transmission event, involving SIVcpz from chimpanzees in southeastern Cameroon, gave rise to HIV-1 group M-the principal cause of the AIDS pandemic. We discuss how host restriction factors have shaped the…

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1,438
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2

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Pandemic
  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
  • Medicine
  • Virology
  • Pathology
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
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