The host cells affected by HIV are the _____ cells.

The host cells affected by HIV are the _____ cells.

• A. T helper (CD4)
• B. B cells
• C. Neurons
• D. Epithelial cells

Answer: (A)

HIV mainly targets CD4+ T helper cells. The virus binds to the CD4 receptor on these cells and uses a co-receptor (CCR5 or CXCR4) to enter. Once inside, it replicates and gradually depletes the population of functional helper T cells, which cripples both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. This loss is central to the immune deficiency seen in AIDS. Other cells like B cells aren’t the primary hosts (their function is impaired due to reduced T cell help), and neurons or epithelial cells aren’t typical productive targets of HIV infection. So the cells most affected are the T helper (CD4+) cells.

HIV mainly targets CD4+ T helper cells. The virus binds to the CD4 receptor on these cells and uses a co-receptor (CCR5 or CXCR4) to enter. Once inside, it replicates and gradually depletes the population of functional helper T cells, which cripples both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. This loss is central to the immune deficiency seen in AIDS. Other cells like B cells aren’t the primary hosts (their function is impaired due to reduced T cell help), and neurons or epithelial cells aren’t typical productive targets of HIV infection. So the cells most affected are the T helper (CD4+) cells.