What cell type does HIV primarily target?

HIV primarily targets CD4+ T cells, also known as helper T cells, which are a crucial component of the immune system. These cells play a key role in the immune response by helping to activate other immune cells, including B cells that produce antibodies and cytotoxic T cells that kill infected cells.

The virus attaches to the CD4 receptor and co-receptors on the surface of these T cells, facilitating its entry and replication within the cells. As the virus replicates, it ultimately leads to a significant decrease in CD4+ T cell numbers, resulting in immunodeficiency. This decline severely compromises the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases, which is a hallmark of HIV infection and can progress to AIDS.

The other cell types listed do not serve as primary targets for HIV. For instance, red blood cells do not have CD4 receptors and are involved primarily in oxygen transport. Platelets are involved in coagulation and do not play a role in the immune response. Macrophages can be infected by HIV but are not the primary targets when compared to CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for the maintenance of the immune system's ability to respond to pathogens. Therefore, understanding that CD4+ T cells are the main focus