Abstract
This chapter serves as a bridge between the molecular and structural biology of the human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV1) and the immunological consequences that viral infection produces. The innate and adaptive immune system and their responses play a critical role in the control of HIV replication. Unfortunately, immune dysfunction is common in HIVinfected individuals and the virus as well is capable of developing strategies to evade host defenses. Thus, in most untreated individuals, if viral replication is not fully contained, persistent viremia is sustained eventually resulting in progressive disease and the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).