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Question

Which of the following cells act as initial HIV factories in the body?

A
T lymphocytes
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B
Neutrophils
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C
Erythrocytes
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D
Macrophages
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Solution

The correct option is D Macrophages
HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) is a retrovirus that attacks and destroys the immune cells of the body.
Initially the macrophages act as the HIV factories. Within the macrophages, the viral reverse transcriptase enzyme catalyses the conversion of the viral genomic RNA into double stranded DNA molecules. The viral DNA integrates itself into the host genome and directs the macrophages to transcribe the viral DNA into viral genomic RNA and viral messenger RNA (mRNA). Viral mRNA is translated into proteins which are assembled along with the viral genomic RNA to form multiple viral particles. These particles are released after the host cell lyses.
Simultaneously the virus infects the helper T lymphocytes and direct them to assist in production of viral progeny. The progeny viruses further infect more T helper cells and the chain continues. Destruction of a large number of helper T cells finally leads to immune deficiency.

Neutrophils are leukocytes which have secretory granules in their cytoplasm and stain with neutral dyes. These are phagocytic cells that can engulf foreign bodies and digest them.

Erythrocytes are the red blood cells that contain haemoglobin and help in transport of respiratory gases in the body. They have no role to play in HIV infection.

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