What type of body cells does hiv mainly target and deplete?

HIV mainly targets and depletes a type of white blood cell called CD4+ T cells, also known as helper T cells, which play a critical role in the body's immune system. HIV specifically infects and destroys these cells, weakening the immune system's ability to fight off infections, making individuals more susceptible to various opportunistic infections and illnesses. As the infection persists, the number of CD4+ T cells continues to decline, leading to the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely compromised.