Question

Which cell type does HIV primarily target for infection?

Options

• Epithelial cells exclusively

• B lymphocytes exclusively

• CD4+ Helper T-lymphocytes (T-helper cells)

• Red blood cells exclusively

Answer 1

HIV primarily targets CD4+ Helper T-lymphocytes (T-helper cells) by binding to CD4 receptors on the cell surface. This leads to destruction of the immune system's key regulatory cells, resulting in progressive immunodeficiency. The CD4+ cell count is a primary marker of HIV disease progression.