HIV primarily targets which immune cell type?

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Study for the Health CBE Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

HIV primarily targets which immune cell type?

Explanation:
The main idea here is that HIV's impact comes from attacking the cells that coordinate the immune response. HIV targets helper T cells because these cells have the CD4 receptor that the virus uses to gain entry, with the help of co-receptors like CCR5 or CXCR4. When the virus infects and destroys these CD4+ T cells, the immune system’s ability to activate B cells (which produce antibodies) and cytotoxic T cells (which kill infected cells) collapses. This loss of coordination leads to immunodeficiency over time. While other cells such as B cells, macrophages, and neutrophils are involved in immune defenses, the infection’s hallmark and gradual consequence come from the depletion of helper T cells.

The main idea here is that HIV's impact comes from attacking the cells that coordinate the immune response. HIV targets helper T cells because these cells have the CD4 receptor that the virus uses to gain entry, with the help of co-receptors like CCR5 or CXCR4. When the virus infects and destroys these CD4+ T cells, the immune system’s ability to activate B cells (which produce antibodies) and cytotoxic T cells (which kill infected cells) collapses. This loss of coordination leads to immunodeficiency over time.

While other cells such as B cells, macrophages, and neutrophils are involved in immune defenses, the infection’s hallmark and gradual consequence come from the depletion of helper T cells.

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