HIV Receptors and Co-receptors

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.