Question

Give a reason for the following: In HIV infected persons, the immune system is compromised.

Hint:

Remember the "Central Dogma" of HIV: It uses Reverse Transcriptase to turn its RNA into DNA within the host cell.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the target of HIV.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) specifically infects and destroys CD4⁺ T-helper lymphocytes, which are an essential part of the immune system.

Step 2: Role of T-helper cells in immunity.
T-helper cells coordinate the immune response by activating other immune cells such as B-lymphocytes, cytotoxic T-cells, macrophages, and Natural Killer cells. They help the body recognize and fight infections.

Step 3: Effect of HIV infection.
When HIV infects the body, it multiplies inside the T-helper cells and gradually destroys them. As their number decreases, the body becomes less capable of defending itself against pathogens.

Final Answer:
In HIV-infected persons, the immune system is compromised because HIV destroys CD4⁺ T-helper lymphocytes, which are responsible for coordinating the body's immune responses.