Antibodies to which of the following viral antigens are usually the first to be detected in HIV infection?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Study for the Stevens Immunology-Serology Test. Explore flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Get exam ready now!

Multiple Choice

Antibodies to which of the following viral antigens are usually the first to be detected in HIV infection?

Explanation:
Early in HIV infection, the humoral response targets the core (p24) antigen first. The p24 protein is a highly immunogenic component of the viral capsid and is exposed soon after infection, so B cells mount antibodies against it quickly, making anti-p24 detectable during seroconversion. Antibodies to envelope proteins like gp41 and gp120 tend to appear later as the immune response matures. gp160 is the precursor to gp120/gp41 and is not typically the earliest antibody target. Hence, antibodies against the p24 core are usually the first to be detected.

Early in HIV infection, the humoral response targets the core (p24) antigen first. The p24 protein is a highly immunogenic component of the viral capsid and is exposed soon after infection, so B cells mount antibodies against it quickly, making anti-p24 detectable during seroconversion. Antibodies to envelope proteins like gp41 and gp120 tend to appear later as the immune response matures. gp160 is the precursor to gp120/gp41 and is not typically the earliest antibody target. Hence, antibodies against the p24 core are usually the first to be detected.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy