How do antiretroviral medications slow progression from HIV to AIDS?

Antiretroviral medications are designed to target the HIV virus and improve the immune system's functionality. The primary mechanism by which these medications slow the progression from HIV to AIDS involves increasing the number of CD4 cells while simultaneously decreasing the viral load of HIV in the body.

CD4 cells, also known as T-helper cells, play a crucial role in the immune response. When HIV infects a person, it attacks and reduces the number of CD4 cells, weakening the immune system over time. Antiretroviral therapy works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, which helps lower the overall number of HIV particles in the bloodstream. As the viral load decreases, the immune system can rebuild itself, leading to an increase in CD4 cell counts. This restoration of CD4 cells helps the body defend against opportunistic infections and other complications associated with HIV, thus delaying the progression to AIDS.

While improvements in general health can result from effective antiretroviral treatment due to a stronger immune system, the specific mechanism that defines how these medications work lies in their ability to both reduce HIV levels and enhance CD4 cell counts.