Which cell type is among the initial targets for HIV infection?

Which cell type is among the initial targets for HIV infection?

• A. Monocytes/Macrophages
• B. B lymphocytes
• C. Neutrophils
• D. Epithelial cells

Answer: (A)

HIV can only enter cells that express the CD4 receptor along with a CCR5 or CXCR4 co-receptor, so cells that have CD4 are among the first targets. Monocytes/macrophages express CD4 and CCR5 and reside in tissues where initial exposure often occurs, making them among the earliest infected cell types. Their infection helps the virus spread to lymphoid tissues and act as reservoirs for ongoing replication. B lymphocytes don’t typically become productively infected because they lack significant CD4 expression. Neutrophils lack the CD4/co-receptor setup needed for HIV entry, and epithelial cells generally do not support productive HIV infection.

HIV can only enter cells that express the CD4 receptor along with a CCR5 or CXCR4 co-receptor, so cells that have CD4 are among the first targets. Monocytes/macrophages express CD4 and CCR5 and reside in tissues where initial exposure often occurs, making them among the earliest infected cell types. Their infection helps the virus spread to lymphoid tissues and act as reservoirs for ongoing replication.

B lymphocytes don’t typically become productively infected because they lack significant CD4 expression. Neutrophils lack the CD4/co-receptor setup needed for HIV entry, and epithelial cells generally do not support productive HIV infection.