Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) attacks which of the following?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

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

Option (1) Neutrophils — Incorrect. Neutrophils are white blood cells that swallow and destroy bacteria at a site of infection. HIV does not target them (see the Note).

Option (2) T-helper cells — Correct. Among the white blood cells, T cells destroy invaders and T-helper cells increase immunological activity. It is these T-helper cells that are attacked by HIV, the virus causing AIDS, so the whole immune response weakens.

Option (3) Pathogens — Incorrect. Pathogens are agents causing physical illness; HIV is itself a pathogen. It attacks the body’s own cells, not other pathogens.

Option (4) Natural killer cells — Incorrect. These cells are involved in the fight against both viruses and tumours, and stress can lower their activity; but HIV’s target is the T-helper cell.

Note 1: The concept in Option (1), ‘neutrophils’, is not in NCERT (2025-26); explained here for the benefit of the students.

Note 2: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 06-06-2026 (Slot 1).

Note 3: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 23-06-2023 (Slot 3).

NCERT (2025-26): “Stress and the Immune System … There are several kinds of white blood cells or leucocytes within the immune system, including T cells, B cells and natural killer cells. T cells destroy invaders, and T-helper cells increase immunological activity. It is these T-helper cells that are attacked by the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV), the virus causing Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). B cells produce antibodies. Natural killer cells are involved in the fight against both viruses and tumours.…”