Answer:
HIV attacks and destroys CD4+ cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays an essential role in the immune system. CD4+ cells are responsible for coordinating the immune response to infections and other foreign invaders in the body.
Over time, HIV replicates itself inside the CD4+ cells and kills them, leading to a progressive decline in the number of CD4+ cells in the body. As the number of CD4+ cells decreases, the immune system becomes weakened, and the body becomes vulnerable to infections and other diseases. This process is known as immunosuppression, and it can lead to the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is a severe and often life-threatening condition.
Without treatment, HIV can cause a significant decline in the number of CD4+ cells, leading to opportunistic infections, cancers, and other health problems. However, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help to slow or halt the progression of HIV by reducing the amount of virus in the body, allowing the immune system to recover and preventing further damage to CD4+ cells.
Step-by-step explanation: