Multiple Choice
In HIV/AIDS infection, which type of immune cell is primarily targeted and depleted by the virus?
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1. Overview of Cell Biology
Viruses
Multiple Choice
HIV can persist in the body by being harbored within which type of host cell as a latent reservoir?
A
Erythrocytes (red blood cells)
B
Resting memory CD4+ T lymphocytes
C
Pancreatic beta cells
D
Neutrophils
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of a latent reservoir in the context of HIV infection: it refers to cells where the virus can remain dormant and evade the immune system and antiretroviral therapy.
Recall that HIV primarily infects cells expressing the CD4 receptor, which includes various types of T lymphocytes.
Identify that among CD4+ T cells, the resting memory CD4+ T lymphocytes are known to harbor latent HIV because they can survive for long periods without active viral replication.
Recognize that erythrocytes (red blood cells) lack nuclei and the necessary machinery for viral replication, so they cannot serve as reservoirs for HIV.
Conclude that resting memory CD4+ T lymphocytes are the main latent reservoir for HIV, allowing the virus to persist in the body despite treatment.
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