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Whenever any foreign substance or agent enters our body, the immune system is activated. Both B- and T-cell members respond to the threat, which eventually results in the elimination of the substance or agent from our bodies. If the agent which gains entry is the kind which remains outside of our cells all of the time (extracellular pathogen), or much of the time (virus often released) the "best" response is the production by B-cells of antibodies which circulate all around the body in the bloodstream, and eventually bind to the agent. There are mechanisms available which are very good at destroying anything which has an antibody bound to it. On the other hand, if the agent is one which goes inside one of our cells and remains there most of the time (intracellular pathogens like viruses or certain bacteria which require the inside of one of our cells in order to live), the "best" response is the activation of cytotoxic T-cells (circulate in the bloodstream and lymph), which eliminate the agent through killing of the cell which contains the agent (agent is otherwise "hidden"). Both of these kinds of responses (B-cell or cytotoxic T-cell) of course require specific helper T-cell biochemical information as described above. Usually, both B-cell and cytotoxic T-cell responses occur against intracellular agents which provides a two-pronged attack. Normally, these actions are wonderfully protective of us. The effect of HIV on the immune system is the result of a gradual (usually) elimination of the Th1 and Th2 helper T-cell sub-populations.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoYes. HIV attaches to the cells, then uses them to replicate copies of the virus.
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Can HIV attach itself to a muscle cell or a skin cell?
No, HIV cannot attach itself to a muscle or a skin cell because the antigens on the HIV membrane are not complementary to their binding sites. However, HIV can attach itself to a helper T cell because the antigens on the HIV membrane are complementary to the binding sites of the helper T cells.
What is the role of CD4 receptores in HIV infections?
The role of the CD4 receptors in HIV is so that the virus fuses with the T helper cells.
Hiv destroys what special cells?
T-cells.
What type of cells does HIV attack and destroy?
HIV infects only the CD4 cells of the immune system, and it destroys lymphocytes.
Do t cells protect you from HIV?
No
What structural feature on HIV allows it to attach to a receptor on the cell membrane of its target?
The surface of the HIV virion contains a glycoprotein called gp120 which allows it to attach to human immune system cells. The T cells of the immune systemhave a receptor on their cell membrane called CD45. A strong interaction between CD45 and gp120 has been shown.
Why are other cells not targeted by the HIV virus?
HIV can only bind with the CD4 located on Helper T cells.
How does HIV reduce reduce your ability to fight infection?
HIV reduces your ability to fight infection because it attacks your CD4+ also know as your T-cells. Your body is at a constant struggle to keep your body healthy by fighting against infections. The T-cells are like the Generals in this war. They tell other soldiars (B-cells,) whats to do in this war against HIV and other infections. HIV enters the T-cells, and become "HIV factories". More HIV is released into the bloodstream to enter more T-cells. Eventually, the T-cells die, and HIV starts winning the war. Your immune system doesn't work anymore because there aren't Generals (T-cells) telling the soldiers what to do.
How is HIV and Helper T Cells related?
T helper cells, also called CD4+ T cells (or just CD4 cells) are part of the immune system, but they are also the main target cells that HIV infects and uses to reproduce.
What happens to HIV when it enters a t-cells?
it reproduces
Disease targets helper T cells?
HIV
What does HIV do to the system?
HIV attacks the T cells of the immune system so people with AIDS die from the common cold because the T cells that fight off the common cold died because of HIV
