Question

In which blood corpuscles, the HIV undergoes replication and produces progeny viruses?

• A. B-lymphocytes
• B. Basophils
• C. Eosinophils
• D. T_H cells

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks about the type of blood corpuscles in which the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) undergoes replication and produces progeny viruses. To answer this, we need to understand the role and function of various blood corpuscles and how HIV interacts with them.

The HIV virus primarily targets cells of the immune system. It specifically infects T-helper cells, which are a type of white blood cell. These T-helper cells are also known as CD4⁺ T cells or T_H cells. HIV binds to the CD4 receptors on the surfaces of these cells which subsequently allows the virus to enter and use the host's cellular machinery to replicate.

Here's a brief explanation of why each option is correct or incorrect:

• B-lymphocytes: These are another type of white blood cell that are crucial to the humoral immune response by producing antibodies. However, HIV does not primarily replicate in these cells.
• Basophils: These are a type of white blood cell involved in inflammatory responses but they are not typically associated with HIV replication.
• Eosinophils: These are related to allergic responses and the fight against parasitic infections, not typically involved in HIV replication.
• T_H cells (Correct Answer): HIV specifically targets these cells for replication. The virus uses the CD4 receptors on the T_H cells to enter, replicate, and produce progeny viruses. This leads to the destruction of these cells, weakening the immune system, and is a hallmark of HIV infection.

In conclusion, the correct answer is T_H cells as they are the primary site of HIV replication.