Infection follows with pathological transformation of the cells that lead to their death.
Some of the changes induced by the contact of HIV with cell membranes and by penetration of the virus into the cell, are severe enough to be seen under the light microscope. Immature HIV particle These are characterized by a disorganized central core but otherwise a complete virus able to infect the lymphocytes. This particle is tightly attached to the membrane of this cell. Mature HIV particle Attachment and penetration of the particles is not restricted to their maturation. Here a mature particle is attached to a portion of the membrane whose integrity was disrupted.