AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -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. When HIV is left untreated, even a minor infection such as a cold can be much more severe.

Detailed explanation-2: -HIV finds the white blood cells, called CD4 cells. HIV gets inside the CD4 cell and makes copies of itself. Then, HIV kills the CD4 cell and the new HIV copies find other CD4 cells to get inside and start the cycle again. HIV kills immune system cells that help the body fight infections and diseases.

Detailed explanation-3: -HIV binds to the CD4 molecule on the surface of helper T-cells and replicates within them. This results in destruction of CD4+ T-cells and leads to a steady decline in this population of T-cells.

Detailed explanation-4: -HIV destroys CD4 cells (also called T cells). CD4 cells are part of the immune system. They fight germs and help prevent some kinds of cancers.

Detailed explanation-5: -This is because HIV hides from the body’s immune system in a group of immune cells called CD4 lymphocytes, also known as the HIV reservoir. While HIV is latent in the reservoir, meaning it doesn’t replicate, it can wake up, causing viral load to increase and making a cure elusive.