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AIDS is caused by HIV that principally infects
A
Activator B cells
B
T4 lymphocytes
C
Cytotoxic T cells
D
All lymphocytes
Detailed Solution
HIV is a retrovirus that binds to the CD4 receptor protein present on the surface of helper T-lymphocytes (and macrophages).
Helper T-lymphocytes are therefore also called T4 or CD4 cells.
After entering, the virus replicates in these cells and produces progeny viruses, which attack other helper T cells, leading to a progressive decrease in their number.
Helper T cells are needed to activate B cells and cytotoxic T cells, so the whole immune system becomes weak and the person suffers from opportunistic infections.
So HIV principally infects the T4 lymphocytes.
Helper T-lymphocytes are therefore also called T4 or CD4 cells.
After entering, the virus replicates in these cells and produces progeny viruses, which attack other helper T cells, leading to a progressive decrease in their number.
Helper T cells are needed to activate B cells and cytotoxic T cells, so the whole immune system becomes weak and the person suffers from opportunistic infections.
So HIV principally infects the T4 lymphocytes.