Tabel 1. Principal factors implicated in the HIV-induced loss of CD4⁺ T lymphocytes and immune functions, listed in alphabetical order.

Antibody-dependent cellular toxicity and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes via the attachment of circulating gp120 to normal CD4+ T-cells: Anti-CD4+ T-cell action via auto-antibodies, Anti-CD4+ T-cell suppressive factors by CD8+ T-cells and/or NK cells. Apoptosis via immune activation. Cytokine cytotoxicity. Cytopathic effect of HIV on CD4+ T-cells and CD4 progenitors. Destruction of the bone marrow, lymph nodes architecture Immunosuppression by gp120, gp41, gag, Tat. Infiltrating malignancies affecting the bone marrow and other sites. Nutritional deficiencies. Opportunistic infections of the bone marrow. Permeability of the CD4+ T-cell membrane. Production of cytokines Selective destruction of memory CD4+ T-cells. Suppressive effect on immune complexes.