In: Nursing
which 2 cells in the human body that the HIV targets?
HIV infects a type of white blood cell in the body’s immune system called a T-helper cell (also called a CD4 cell). These vital cells keep us healthy by fighting off infections and diseases.
HIV attacks a specific type of immune system cell in the body. It’s known as the CD4 helper cell or T cell. When HIV destroys this cell, it becomes harder for the body to fight off other infections.
HIV targets CD4+ lymphocytes, also known as T‑cells or T‑lymphocytes. T‑cells work in concert with B‑lymphocytes. Both are part of specific acquired (adaptive) immunity.
The target cells of the virus are CD4+ T lymphocytes and, to a lesser extent, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages.
Dendritic cells (DCs )are central components of the immune response. They patrol peripheral tissues, including mucosal sites of HIV-1 transmission.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells inducing innate and adaptive immune responses. DCs express the HIV receptor CD4 and are potential target cells for HIV. Macrophages and CD4+ T cells are the principal targets of HIV-1.