Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antigens (HIV Antigens)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens are viral proteins that play essential roles in the structure, infectivity, and immune recognition of HIV. These antigens are present on or within the virus particle (virion) and are critical for viral entry into host cells, replication, assembly, and evasion of the host immune response. Key antigens include envelope glycoproteins (gp120, gp41), Gag proteins (p24, p17, p7/p6), and Pol proteins (reverse transcriptase, integrase, protease). These antigens elicit strong humoral and cellular immune responses, but rapid mutation rates lead to antigenic variation that helps HIV evade immunity. Detection of specific HIV antigens, especially p24, is central in early diagnosis.

Other names

HIV proteinsHIV viral antigens

Various mechanisms depending on the specific antigen, including blocking viral entry, inhibiting reverse transcription, inhibiting protease activity, and inhibiting integration into host DNA.