Question

What is the fundamental lesion of HIV infection, leading to the depletion of CD4+ (helper) T lymphocytes and impaired immune function in patients with overt AIDS?

A. Infection of CD8+ T lymphocytes
B. Infection of NK cells
C. Activation of B cells
D. Infection of CD4+ T lymphocytes
E. Activation of mast cells

Answer 1

HIV primarily infects helper T cells, specifically CD4+ T cells, leading to a depletion of these cells and impaired immune function in patients with overt AIDS.

Step-by-step explanation:

HIV primarily infects helper T cells (specifically CD4+ T cells) and leads to a depletion of these cells, resulting in impaired immune function in patients with overt AIDS. The virus kills infected CD4+ T cells directly and also triggers an immune response that attacks these T cells. CD4+ T cells are critical for the immune system's response and their loss leads to a loss of cell-mediated immunity, making the body more susceptible to opportunistic infections.