Studies have shown that secondary lymphoid tissues are a major reservoir of HIV in infected individuals. In part, this is due to the high numbers of viral target cells expressing CD4, such as T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Surprisingly, secondary lymphoid tissues were also found to contain large numbers of infectious virus particles in the form of immune complexes. A comparison of the viral species found in these immune complexes indicates that they include virus particles that have been retained for over a year. The cells responsible for this reservoir of infectious HIV are: A) HIV-specific B cells B) Follicular dendritic cells C) CD4 T cells D) Subcapsular sinus macrophages E) CD4⁺ dendritic cells

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cells responsible for the reservoir of infectious HIV in secondary lymphoid tissues are follicular dendritic cells. These cells can trap virus particles within immune complexes, which can then remain infectious for extended periods. HIV-specific B cells, CD4 T cells, and dendritic cells may all be infected with HIV and contribute to the viral reservoir, but they are not the primary cells responsible for retaining viral particles. While subcapsular sinus macrophages can remove and process viral particles, they are not known to retain infectious virus in the form of immune complexes to the same extent as follicular dendritic cells. The hypothetical CD4⁺ dendritic cells do not exist and are not relevant to HIV infection.

Studies Have Shown That Secondary Lymphoid Tissues Are a Major