How does HIV affect the immune system?

HIV weakens the immune system by destroying cells that fight disease and infection, specifically CD4 cells or T cells.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that primarily attacks the body's immune system. It specifically targets CD4 cells, also known as T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's immune response. These cells are responsible for coordinating the immune system to respond to various infections and diseases.

HIV infects these CD4 cells and uses their machinery to replicate itself. This process often results in the death of the infected cell. Over time, as more and more CD4 cells are destroyed, the immune system becomes progressively weaker. This leaves the body vulnerable to a wide range of infections and diseases that it would normally be able to fight off.

The virus also has a high mutation rate, which allows it to adapt and become resistant to the body's immune response. This makes it difficult for the immune system to effectively combat the virus. Furthermore, HIV can remain dormant in infected cells for long periods, making it even harder for the immune system to eliminate it completely.

As the number of CD4 cells decreases, the body becomes susceptible to opportunistic infections. These are infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system and can cause severe illness in people with HIV. When the number of CD4 cells falls below a certain level, a person is said to have Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

In addition to destroying CD4 cells, HIV also affects the immune system in other ways. It can cause inflammation and damage to the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system and plays a role in fighting infections. HIV can also affect the body's ability to produce new CD4 cells, further weakening the immune system.

In summary, HIV has a profound impact on the immune system. It destroys CD4 cells, hampers the production of new ones, and causes damage to the lymphatic system. This leaves the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and diseases, and can eventually lead to AIDS if not treated.