In an HIV-positive patient with CCR5 presence, which cell type is likely also infected by HIV?

In an HIV-positive patient, the presence of CCR5 indicates that the individual has a receptor that the virus can use to enter cells. HIV primarily targets CD4+ T cells, but it can also infect other cell types that express the CD4 receptor along with either CCR5 or CXCR4.

Macrophages are a type of immune cell that play a significant role in both the innate and adaptive immune response. They are known to express the CCR5 receptor, making them susceptible to HIV infection. The virus can infect macrophages directly through this receptor, leading to active viral replication within these cells.

Once infected, macrophages can harbor the virus and contribute to its spread throughout the body, as they can travel to various tissues and organs. This characteristic of macrophages is significant in the progression of HIV, as infected macrophages can serve as a reservoir for the virus, making it challenging to eradicate during antiretroviral therapy.

Other immune cell types listed, such as B lymphocytes, eosinophils, and natural killer cells, do not express the CCR5 receptor in a manner that makes them primary targets for HIV infection. Therefore, the likelihood of macrophages being infected in this scenario is markedly higher, highlighting their role in the dynamics of