Multiple Choice
Which of the following sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is NOT caused by a virus?
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17. Viruses
Viruses
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Which cell type is primarily targeted by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?
A
Red blood cells
B
B lymphocytes
C
CD4+ T lymphocytes
D
Neutrophils
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting cells that play a key role in immune defense.
Identify the primary target of HIV: HIV primarily infects CD4+ T lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell crucial for coordinating the immune response.
Clarify why CD4+ T lymphocytes are targeted: HIV binds to the CD4 receptor on the surface of these cells, allowing the virus to enter and replicate within them. This leads to a gradual decline in CD4+ T cell numbers, weakening the immune system.
Differentiate CD4+ T lymphocytes from other cell types: Red blood cells lack a nucleus and are not involved in immune defense, B lymphocytes produce antibodies but are not the primary target of HIV, and neutrophils are part of the innate immune system but do not express CD4 receptors.
Conclude the importance of CD4+ T lymphocytes in HIV infection: The loss of CD4+ T cells due to HIV infection is a hallmark of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which results in increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and diseases.
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