The AIDS virus primarily targets which type of cells?

The AIDS virus, specifically HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), primarily targets T-lymphocytes, commonly known as CD4 cells. These cells are crucial components of the immune system, as they play a vital role in coordinating the body's response to infections. When HIV infects and destroys CD4 cells, it weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to opportunistic infections and diseases, which is a defining characteristic of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

In the immune system, while red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen, and B-lymphocytes produce antibodies to fight infections, they are not the primary targets of HIV. Natural killer cells, which are involved in the recognition and destruction of infected or cancerous cells, also do not serve as the main target for HIV infection. Therefore, understanding that CD4 cells are specifically affected by the AIDS virus is crucial in recognizing how HIV leads to immune system compromise.