Step 1: Understanding HIV.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that primarily attacks the immune system. It targets cells that play a crucial role in immunity.
Step 2: Target cells.
HIV specifically infects CD4+ T-helper cells. By destroying these cells, HIV weakens the immune response, leading to AIDS.
Step 3: Analyzing options.
(A) B-cells: Incorrect — B-cells produce antibodies but are not the main HIV target.
(B) T-cells: Incomplete — Refers to all T-cells, but HIV specifically targets T-helper (CD4+) cells.
(C) Epithelial cell: Incorrect — These are not the site of HIV attack.
(D) T-helper cell: Correct — HIV targets and destroys CD4+ T-helper cells.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, HIV attacks T-helper cells.