What type of cells does HIV primarily destroy?

HIV primarily targets and destroys white blood cells, specifically a subset known as CD4 T cells. These cells play a crucial role in the immune system by helping to orchestrate the body’s response to infections. When HIV infects these CD4 T cells, it compromises the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases, leading to the gradual weakening of the immune system. This process ultimately makes individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers, which is a hallmark of the progression to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Understanding this is vital since the decline in CD4 T cell counts directly impacts the immune response, highlighting why HIV is so damaging to health and emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment in managing the virus.