AIDS is due to:

Explanation

The deficiency of CD4+ T lymphocytes during HIV infection occurs through multiple mechanisms. HIV specifically targets CD4+ T cells by binding to the CD4 receptor and co-receptors on their surface, entering the cells, and replicating, which eventually causes the infected cells to lyse and die. Additionally, uninfected CD4+ T cells may undergo apoptosis due to chronic immune activation and viral protein toxicity. The virus also damages lymphoid organs like lymph nodes and the thymus, impairing T cell production and maturation, while some infected cells are destroyed by cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Together, these processes lead to a progressive loss of CD4+ T cells, weakening the immune system and resulting in the immunodeficiency characteristic of AIDS.