Cells affected

The virus, entering through which ever route, acts primarily on the following cells:

• Lymphoreticular system:
  • CD₄+ T-Helper cells
  • Macrophages
  • Monocytes
  • B-lymphocytes
• Certain endothelial cells
• Central nervous system:
  • Microglia of the nervous system
  • Astrocytes
  • Oligodendrocytes
  • Neurones – indirectly by the action of cytokines and the gp-120