HIV particles budding from cell, TEM

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Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of HIV-1 particles (red) budding from the membrane of a host T-cell. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks CD4+ T-lymphocytes (specialised white blood cells), which are crucial to the body's immune system. It enters the cell and makes many copies of itself, which then destroy the cell as they emerge through its membrane. This severely weakens the immune system, causing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The semi-circle particles are immature and have yet to form.

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Size: 3500px × 2510px
Location:
Photo credit: © NIAID/NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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