Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

Immune Tolerance

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

Immune Tolerance

Previous problemNext problem

3:39 minutes

Problem 11

Textbook Question

The cell type most often invaded by HIV is a(n)
a. Eosinophil
b. Cytotoxic T cell
c. Natural killer cell
d. Helper T cell
e. B cell.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the nature of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): HIV is a virus that targets the immune system, specifically cells that play a role in coordinating immune responses.

Recall the primary function of each cell type listed in the options: a. Eosinophils are involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections, b. Cytotoxic T cells destroy infected or cancerous cells, c. Natural killer cells are part of the innate immune system and target infected or abnormal cells, d. Helper T cells coordinate immune responses by activating other immune cells, e. B cells produce antibodies.

Identify the specific cell type that HIV targets: HIV binds to the CD4 receptor, which is found on certain immune cells. Helper T cells (also called CD4+ T cells) are the primary cells that express this receptor.

Understand the consequences of HIV targeting Helper T cells: By infecting and destroying these cells, HIV weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.

Conclude that the correct answer is the cell type with the CD4 receptor, which is the Helper T cell (option d).

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

HIV and its Target Cells

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) primarily targets the immune system, specifically the CD4+ T cells, commonly known as Helper T cells. These cells play a crucial role in orchestrating the immune response by activating other immune cells. The virus binds to the CD4 receptor and co-receptors on these cells, leading to their infection and eventual depletion, which compromises the immune system.

Helper T Cells

Helper T cells are a subset of T lymphocytes that are essential for the adaptive immune response. They assist in activating B cells to produce antibodies and stimulate cytotoxic T cells to kill infected cells. The loss of Helper T cells due to HIV infection leads to a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to opportunistic infections and diseases.

Immune System Response

The immune system response involves various cells and mechanisms that work together to defend the body against pathogens. This includes the innate immune response, which provides immediate defense, and the adaptive immune response, which is more specific and involves memory cells. Understanding how HIV disrupts this response, particularly by targeting Helper T cells, is crucial for comprehending the implications of HIV infection and the progression to AIDS.

Watch next

Master Immune Tolerance with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

When naïve B cells are activated, they differentiate into:

a. Plasma cells

b. Memory cells

c. Both a and b

d. None of the above

420

views

Textbook Question

Name several cytokines and describe their role in the immune response.

556

views

Textbook Question

On which type(s) of cells are class I MHC molecules located?

a. Antigen-presenting cells only

b. B cells only

c. All nucleated body cells

d. Antigen-presenting cells and B cells

523

views

Textbook Question

Class I MHC molecules display_____antigens and activate_____cells. Class II MHC molecules display _____antigens and activate_____cells.

426

views

Textbook Question

The cell type most often invaded by HIV is a(n):

a. Eosinophil

b. Cytotoxic T cell

c. Natural killer cell

d. Helper T cell

e. B cell

views

Textbook Question

Caroline, a pregnant 29-year-old, has been HIV-positive for at least 10 years, dating back to when she was homeless and injecting heroin. While she currently has no symptoms of AIDS, she is taking several medications and is worried about the possibility that her baby might be infected. How do you think the HIV virus might be transferred from a mother to her offspring? Which of Caroline’s cells are infected by the virus, and why is the viral attack on these cells so devastating? Why is Caroline taking medication even though she has no symptoms?

views

Textbook Question

Which of the following is/are examples of autoimmune disease?

a. Type 1 diabetes

b. Multiple sclerosis

c. Graves’ disease

d. Rheumatoid arthritis

views

Textbook Question

Skin tests are used to determine if a person

(a) Has an active infection

(b) Has been exposed to a particular antigen