Which type of cells does HIV primarily target and damage?

HIV primarily targets and damages CD4 cells, which are a type of T helper lymphocyte that plays a crucial role in the immune system. These cells are essential for coordinating the immune response, helping to activate other immune cells, and maintaining the overall health of the immune system. When HIV infects and destroys CD4 cells, it significantly impairs the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases, leading to the progressive immune system deterioration that characterizes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

The virus specifically binds to the CD4 receptor on these cells, allowing it to enter and replicate within them. As the infection progresses, the depletion of CD4 cells weakens the immune response, making the individual more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. This targeting of CD4 cells is a hallmark of HIV's pathology and is critical to understanding how the virus leads to immune compromise.

Other cell types listed, such as red blood cells, B cells, and neutrophils, do not play the same central role in the context of HIV infection. Red blood cells are primarily responsible for oxygen transport, while B cells are involved in the production of antibodies, and neutrophils are key players in the innate immune response. While these cells are important for