Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Hypotheses on the etiology. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Hypotheses on the etiology.

Med Hypotheses. 1984 Aug;14(4):347-51. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/85035934
Kelly TA

Abstract: AIDS could be caused by a mutant hepatitis B virus or even a prion-like agent. Hepatitis B, as a retro-like virus, might induce cancerous cells, which, like other malignant cells, could produce substances that inhibit macrophages and their activation of T-cells. Hepatitis B, by reverse transcription, might become a provirus in or adjacent to the Ir gene of the major histocompatibility locus (MHC) altering the Ia antigen on macrophages and inhibiting the immune response. A prion could by reverse translation produce a similar effect on the Ir gene or by protein----protein replication create new antigenic proteins which could confuse immune signals from the macrophages to T-cells; create enzymes modifying existing antigenic determinants; and create proteins not recognized as self that could initiate a frank, but subtle autoimmune phenomenon. Any one, or an interaction of these events, could create a negative autoimmunity: the immune system would attack itself.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/IMMUNOLOGY/*MICROBIOLOGY Hepatitis B Virus Human Immune System/PHYSIOPATHOLOGY *Models, Biological JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/immunology/KWDmicrobiologyhepatitisbvirushumanimmunesystem/physiopathologyKWDmodels,biologicaljournalarticle
850228
M8520115

Copyright © 1985 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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