HIV attacks which one of the following cells?

The correct answer is Option (2) → T-helper cells

Option (1) T-cytotoxic cells — Incorrect. Cytotoxic T-cells kill infected cells and cancer cells. They are not the cells in which HIV multiplies.

Option (2) T-helper cells — Correct. HIV first enters the macrophages and then the helper T-lymphocytes (T_H). It multiplies inside them, and the new viruses attack more helper T-cells. As their number keeps falling, the immune system breaks down, and the person gets infections the body would normally overcome.

Option (3) B-cells — Incorrect. B-lymphocytes make antibodies. HIV does not enter them. They suffer only because they need the help of the T-helper cells.

Option (4) T-memory cells — Incorrect. Memory cells recognise an antigen met before and give a faster response the second time. They are not the target of HIV.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 03-06-2025 (Slot 2).

NCERT Extract:
AIDS – …

Figure 7.6 Replication of retrovirus