Figure 4. Model of Early Transmucosal HIV Infection

This model shows the multiple steps involved with transmucosal HIV infection. These multiple steps include (1) release of HIV onto the mucosal surface, (2) interaction and binding of HIV with dendritic cells, (3) fusion of dendritic cells and CD4 lymphocytes, (4) transport of HIV to regional lymph nodes, (5) spread of HIV to activated CD4 lymphocytes, and (6) entry of HIV into the systemic bloodstream. This figure is from Kahn JO, Walker BD. Acute human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. N Engl J Med. 1998;339:33-9. Reproduced with permission from the Massachusetts Medical Society. Copyright © 1998 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights Reserved.

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