HIV primarily targets which type of cells in the immune system?

HIV primarily targets CD4 cells, which are a subset of T cells in the immune system. These cells play a crucial role in the immune response by helping to activate and regulate the functions of other immune cells, including B cells and macrophages. When HIV infects CD4 cells, it can significantly weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.

The loss of CD4 cells is a hallmark of HIV infection, leading to the progression to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) when the CD4 count falls below a critical level. This targeting is fundamentally important to understand the pathophysiology of HIV and its implications for treatment and management of the disease.