HIV does not cause disease in any non-human species. Thus, there is no animal model system to evaluate the efficacy of strategies aimed at preventing, treating or curing disease caused by this virus. The present invention provides compositions and a method for producing an animal model for HIV induced disease. The present invention is an animal adapted to simulate a human-like immune response to HIV, which is accomplished by activation and inactivation of complement of proteins within the animal. Accordingly, the present invention stages certain human proteins within an animal by way of its gut associated lymphoid tissue followed by infection of live HIV.