Which of the following cells does HIV mainly infect?

Explanation

HIV primarily targets immune cells that play a central role in defending the body against infections. The virus mainly infects CD4+ T helper cells, which are a type of white blood cell essential for coordinating the immune response. By binding to the CD4 receptor on these cells, along with co-receptors such as CCR5 or CXCR4, HIV gains entry and begins replicating inside the cell. Over time, the depletion of CD4+ T cells weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to opportunistic infections and illnesses. In addition to CD4+ T cells, HIV can also infect other cells expressing the CD4 receptor, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, but the primary and most critical target remains the CD4+ T helper cells.