Question

The HIV virus compromises the immune system mainly by infecting ______.

Options

• cytotoxic T-cells

• helper T-cells

• suppressor T-cells

• plasma cells

Answer 1

The HIV virus compromises the immune system mainly by infecting helper T-cells.

Explanation:

HIV mainly infects helper T-cells (also called T4 cells or CD4+ T-cells), which play a central role in coordinating the immune response. The virus integrates into these cells, turning them into virus-producing factories, leading to their depletion. This hampers the body’s ability to mount an effective immune response, resulting in immunodeficiency. Cytotoxic T-cells, suppressor T-cells, and plasma cells are not the primary targets of HIV infection.