What role do CD8+ T cells play in HIV infection?

CD8+ T cells, also known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, play a crucial role in the immune response against HIV infection by recognizing and killing cells that are infected with the virus. Once they recognize HIV-infected cells through specific antigens presented on the surface of these cells, CD8+ T cells can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in these infected cells, effectively reducing the viral load within the host.

This targeted approach helps to contain the infection and mitigate damage to the immune system. Their ability to recognize and destroy infected cells is a key aspect of the adaptive immune response and illustrates the importance of cellular immunity in controlling viral infections, particularly chronic infections like HIV.

While other choices relate to different aspects of the immune response or HIV biology, they do not accurately describe the specific role of CD8+ T cells in HIV infection. For example, preventing virus entry into cells involves different immune mechanisms, such as the action of neutralizing antibodies and other immune cells, while antibody production is primarily associated with B cells, not CD8+ T cells. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specialized functions within the immune response to HIV.