Question

Lymphocyte-tropic HIV vs. macrophage-tropic HIV.
Which co-receptors are associated with each?

Answer 1

Lymphocyte-tropic HIV uses the CXCR4 co-receptor and macrophage-tropic HIV uses the CCR5 co-receptor; both types affect CD4+ cells and are targets for HIV treatments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The co-receptors associated with lymphocyte-tropic HIV and macrophage-tropic HIV are critical for the virus's entry into cells.

Lymphocyte-tropic HIV primarily uses the CXCR4 co-receptor, while macrophage-tropic HIV predominantly uses the CCR5 co-receptor. These co-receptors, which normally bind to chemokines, act in conjunction with the CD4 receptor found on the surfaces of helper T cells, making them targets for anti-HIV drug development.

As HIV progresses, it reduces the count of CD4+ cells, which includes helper T cells, thereby compromising the immune system and leaving it vulnerable to opportunistic infections.