Which cells are destroyed in an aids infection?

In an HIV infection, also known as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the primary target cells are a type of white blood cell called CD4+ T cells, also known as helper T cells. CD4+ T cells play a crucial role in the body's immune system, particularly in coordinating and regulating immune responses against pathogens.

HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, infects and destroys CD4+ T cells. Here's a detailed explanation of how this occurs:

1. Attachment and Entry: The HIV virus has a glycoprotein called gp120 on its surface that binds to specific receptors on the surface of CD4+ T cells, including the CD4 receptor and a co-receptor (either CCR5 or CXCR4). This binding allows the virus to attach to the T cell.

2. Fusion: After attachment, the virus's outer envelope fuses with the T cell's membrane, allowing the viral genetic material to enter the T cell.

3. Reverse Transcription: Inside the T cell, the viral RNA genome is reverse transcribed into a double-stranded DNA form by an enzyme called reverse transcriptase.

4. Integration: The viral DNA is then integrated into the T cell's own DNA with the help of another viral enzyme called integrase.

5. Transcription and Translation: The integrated viral DNA serves as a template for transcription, producing viral RNA molecules. These viral RNAs are translated into viral proteins, including structural proteins for new virus particles and enzymes necessary for viral replication.

6. Assembly and Budding: The viral proteins and genomic RNA assemble to form new HIV particles. These particles bud off from the T cell's surface, acquiring a lipid envelope derived from the T cell membrane.

7. Release and Infection: The newly formed HIV particles are released from the T cell, and they can go on to infect other CD4+ T cells, perpetuating the cycle of infection and destruction.

Over time, as more and more CD4+ T cells are infected and destroyed, the body's immune system becomes severely weakened. This impairs the body's ability to fight off infections and certain types of cancers, eventually leading to the development of AIDS and various opportunistic infections or diseases associated with HIV infection.