How does HIV kill T cells?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

HIV specifically targets and infects T cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for the immune response. Upon infection, HIV integrates its genetic material into the DNA of the host T cell. This causes the T cell to produce new HIV particles instead of functioning normally, eventually leading to the death of the T cell. This process significantly weakens the immune system by reducing the number of functional T cells, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.

How Does HIV Kill T Cells