The main target of HIV in AIDS is

Explanation

HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS, primarily targets the immune system, specifically a type of white blood cell called the CD4+ T lymphocyte, also known as helper T cells. These cells play a crucial role in coordinating the body's immune response by signaling other immune cells to fight infections. When HIV infects these cells, it integrates its genetic material into the host cell and gradually destroys them, reducing their numbers over time. This weakening of the immune system leaves the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers, which are hallmarks of AIDS. The progressive loss of CD4+ T cells is therefore central to the development and severity of the disease.