What is the primary cellular target of human immunodeficiency virus?

What is the primary cellular target of human immunodeficiency virus?

• A. B cells
• B. Pre-T cells
• C. CD4+ T cells
• D. CD8+ T cells

Answer: (C)

CD4+ T helper cells are the primary cellular targets of HIV. The virus binds to the CD4 receptor on these cells using its gp120 protein and then requires a chemokine co-receptor (CCR5 or CXCR4) to fuse with and enter the cell. This entry leads to productive infection and gradual depletion of CD4+ T cells, which cripples helper T-cell–mediated immune responses and drives the AIDS-defining immunodeficiency. While HIV can be present in other cells, the loss of CD4+ T cells is the hallmark of disease progression. B cells, pre-T cells, and CD8+ T cells are not the main initial targets.

CD4+ T helper cells are the primary cellular targets of HIV. The virus binds to the CD4 receptor on these cells using its gp120 protein and then requires a chemokine co-receptor (CCR5 or CXCR4) to fuse with and enter the cell. This entry leads to productive infection and gradual depletion of CD4+ T cells, which cripples helper T-cell–mediated immune responses and drives the AIDS-defining immunodeficiency. While HIV can be present in other cells, the loss of CD4+ T cells is the hallmark of disease progression. B cells, pre-T cells, and CD8+ T cells are not the main initial targets.