HIV primarily infects [CD4+ T cells](), which play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response. The virus enters these cells by binding to the [CD4 receptor]() and a co-receptor (either [CCR5]() or [CXCR4]()). Once inside, HIV integrates its genetic material into the host cell's DNA, hijacking the cell's machinery to produce new viral particles. This process eventually leads to the death of the infected [CD4+ T cells](), severely impairing the immune response.
