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HIV Receptors and Co-receptors

Image from the activity of a HIV model

Topic

  • Microbiology
  • Viruses
  • Pathogens & Disease
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Immune System
  • Scientific Skills & Literacy
  • Visual & Physical Models

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Labs & Demos

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
2 Users
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Description

This demonstration models the first step of the HIV life cycle: the binding of HIV envelope proteins to receptors on human helper T cells.

This is part of a series of activities and demonstrations focusing on various aspects of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) life cycle. HIV infects and destroys one specific class of cells of the immune system called helper T cells, which work by orchestrating and activating other immune cells. This demonstration models how HIV initiates infection by binding to two receptors on the surface of the helper T cell: in this case, the CD4 receptor and the co-receptor CCR5. The demonstration uses plastic food boxes, spools, and pipe cleaners.

Estimated Time

One 50-minute class period.

Key Terms

capsid, cell surface receptor, CD4, CCR5, co-receptor, envelope, helper T cell

Terms of Use

The resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. No rights are granted to use HHMI’s or BioInteractive’s names or logos independent from this Resource or in any derivative works.

Version History

Date Published 02.06.17
Date Updated 02.06.17

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1-2; SEP2

AP Biology (2019)

IST-4.B, IST-3.B; SP2

IB Biology (2016)

6.3

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2, CC3; DP3

Materials

Educator Materials (PDF) 443 KB

Additional Materials

  • rectangular plastic food storage container and lid or shoe box (with lid)

  • small round food storage container and lid

  • two thin nails

  • knife, scalpel, or scissors

  • two wooden or plastic spools

  • glue or lab tape

  • barbeque or kabob skewer

  • pipe cleaner

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