HIV affects which type of immune cells once it enters the body?

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Multiple Choice

HIV affects which type of immune cells once it enters the body?

HIV primarily targets CD4-positive T helper cells, which are the immune system’s coordinators. These cells help activate other parts of the immune response, including B cells and cytotoxic T cells, so their loss cripples both antibody production and targeted killing of infected cells. The virus gains entry by attaching to the CD4 receptor and a co-receptor on these cells, then uses its genetic material to replicate, eventually destroying or disabling the T cells. Over time, depletion of these helpers leads to immune deficiency. B-cells aren’t the main targets, though their function can be indirectly affected as helper T cells decline. Macrophages can be infected by HIV as well, but they are not the primary cells the virus destroys. NK cells aren’t the main targets either; they play a different role in innate immunity. The central issue in HIV infection is the loss and dysfunction of CD4+ T helper cells.

HIV primarily targets CD4-positive T helper cells, which are the immune system’s coordinators. These cells help activate other parts of the immune response, including B cells and cytotoxic T cells, so their loss cripples both antibody production and targeted killing of infected cells. The virus gains entry by attaching to the CD4 receptor and a co-receptor on these cells, then uses its genetic material to replicate, eventually destroying or disabling the T cells. Over time, depletion of these helpers leads to immune deficiency.

B-cells aren’t the main targets, though their function can be indirectly affected as helper T cells decline. Macrophages can be infected by HIV as well, but they are not the primary cells the virus destroys. NK cells aren’t the main targets either; they play a different role in innate immunity. The central issue in HIV infection is the loss and dysfunction of CD4+ T helper cells.

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