The HIV virus weakens the immunity of a person because it destroys

The HIV virus weakens the immunity of a person because it destroys

mast cells
platelets
erythrocytes
lymphocytes
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2016
The HIV virus weakens the immunity of a person because it destroys lymphocytes.
HIV primarily targets and infects CD4+ T lymphocytes (also known as T helper cells), which are critical components of the adaptive immune system. The virus replicates within these cells and eventually destroys them.
Progressive destruction of CD4+ T cells leads to a severe decline in immune function, making individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers that a healthy immune system would normally fight off. This advanced stage of HIV infection is known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).