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The lifecycle of HIV

Infographic

The HIV lifecycle is made up of four stages. Each of these involve a number of processes which happen in and around a human CD4 cell (part of our immune system). The virus locks onto and enters a CD4 cell where it makes copies of itself, these are then released back into the bloodstream and the process begins again. 

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  • Last updated: 16 November 2022
  • Last full review: 01 March 2022
  • Next full review: 01 March 2025
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