Question

IMMUNOLOGY QUESTION

Why is HIV infection particularly insidious regarding immune function?

Please include the specific cell types that it infects & what those cell types do.

Answer 1

HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Target cell = T-Helper cells (CD-4 cells).

CD-4 cells are important components of the immune system. HIV infection is characterized by insidious destruction of the host immune system.

T-helper cells are arguably the most important cells of the adaptive immune response.

1. They activate B-cells to secrete antibodies.

2. They activate macrophages to destroy ingested microbes.

3. They also activate cytotoxic T-cells to kill infected target cells.

AIDS is insidious because HIV infection is characterized by reduced CD-4 cell count.