Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is a virus that infects primates, including monkeys and apes. It belongs to the same family as HIV, the virus that causes AIDS in humans. SIV targets and weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Studying SIV helps scientists understand how similar viruses develop and evolve, providing valuable insights into HIV/AIDS in humans. While SIV is primarily found in non-human primates, some types have crossed species, leading to the emergence of HIV in humans.