Would a genetic defect (such as a person not being able to contract HIV) affect anything else in the body? From Moorehead School, Minnesota

The genetic defect that is protective for HIV is the absence of surface receptors on the T4 cell. So far there does not seem to be any other deficiency note of the t4 or any other cell. But only time will tell. Great question!

Currently what is the most effective way at treating HIV/AIDS?From Moorehead School, Minnesota

Using a combination of three drugs that interfere with the ability of HIV to infect and take over the function of the t4 cell. This is known as HAART ( highly active antiretroviral therapy ). These drugs (25 of them in total) will block HIV's ability to attach to the surface of the t4 cell as well as use the machinery and resources of the t4 cell to make more HIV.

When HIV RNA invades a cell, does it bind to a specific chromosome? And if it does, which one? From Moorehead School, Minnesota

When HIV invades a t4 cell it needs a makeover. Its core is two strands of RNA which are all show and INACTIVE. HIV RNA is a big piece of molecular architecture that can't do anything. HIV must be in a DNA form to be active There is however within the core of HIV an enzyme that act like an intelligent probe. This probe will retrieve from the cytoplasm of the t4 cell all the materials needed to create HIV DNA, and than assemble it. This construction takes place adjacent to the existing HIV RNA. It is like creating a new highway along the same route as the old dirt road. HIV DNA, once made is ACTIVE and can enter the nucleus of the t4 cell and cut and paste itself into t4 cell DNA ( integrate). I don't know what specific chromosome it integrates next to. Great question. I don't know if anyone knows that answer. Let me know if you find out that information. I'll owe you big time!

Is the immune system reaction concentrated in a specific area, and would it be possible to excise or amputate teh infected area to prevernt HIV from spreading to the rest of the body? (I think this student mentioned something about a "Powell Procedure") From Moorehead School, Minnesota

HIV is initially distributed widely through the body. Not one spot of localization. It is in the blood, lymph nodes, brain, kidneys , testis , etc. Even when we kill it in the blood it can hide elsewhere. We keep it in check but never eradicate it.

Thanks for your questions!

Dr. Phillip