Which cells are considered the main targets for HIV infection?

The main targets for HIV infection are CD4+ T cells, which play a critical role in the immune system. These cells are essential for orchestrating the immune response by helping other immune cells, such as B cells and cytotoxic T cells, to effectively combat infections and diseases. HIV specifically binds to the CD4 molecule on these T cells, utilizing it as a primary receptor to gain entry into the cell.

Once inside, the virus replicates, ultimately leading to the destruction of CD4+ T cells. The depletion of these cells is a defining feature of HIV infection, as it results in immunosuppression and decreased ability for the body to fight off opportunistic infections and diseases, a hallmark of progression to AIDS.

The other cell types mentioned, such as platelets, neutrophils, and B cells, do not serve as primary targets for HIV. Platelets are involved in blood clotting, neutrophils are key players in the innate immune response against pathogens, and B cells are primarily responsible for producing antibodies. While HIV can have broader effects on the immune system, CD4+ T cells are the central and most critical targets for the virus.