Can HIV attach itself to a muscle cell or a skin cell?

In summary, HIV can attach itself to muscle cells, but it primarily targets immune cells. It cannot attach itself to skin cells as it requires specific receptors found only on certain immune cells. HIV can enter a muscle cell through endocytosis, but this is not the main mode of infection. It can also replicate in muscle cells, but they are not ideal for replication due to the lack of necessary cellular machinery and enzymes. HIV can only infect certain immune cells with specific receptors, and cannot infect other cells such as muscle and skin cells.
  • #1
LadiesMan
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1. Can HIV attach itself to a muscle cell or a skin cell?

It seems that HIV attacks the immune system mainly by damaging the CD4 (also known as T4 or T-helper) cells which help the body fight off diseases.

But I don't think that is the correct answer to this question. Theoretically wouldn't it attack a muscle cell or skin cell indirectly?

Thanks for your time
 
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  • #2
Also, Why is it that you cannot get aids by shaking hands? (Using information about binding sites) Thanks
 
  • #3
nvm i found the answer :) Thanks.
 

Related to Can HIV attach itself to a muscle cell or a skin cell?

1. Can HIV attach itself to a muscle cell?

Yes, HIV can attach itself to muscle cells. However, the virus primarily targets immune cells, such as CD4+ T cells, which are essential for fighting infections.

2. Can HIV attach itself to a skin cell?

No, HIV cannot attach itself to skin cells. The virus needs specific receptors, which are only found on certain immune cells, in order to enter and infect the body.

3. How does HIV enter a muscle cell?

HIV can enter a muscle cell through a process called endocytosis, where the cell engulfs the virus and brings it inside. However, this is not the main mode of infection for HIV, as it primarily targets immune cells.

4. Can HIV replicate in a muscle cell?

Yes, HIV can replicate in a muscle cell. However, the virus needs specific cellular machinery and enzymes to replicate, which are not present in muscle cells in high enough quantities. This makes muscle cells less ideal for HIV replication compared to immune cells.

5. Can HIV infect other cells besides immune cells?

No, HIV can only infect certain immune cells, such as CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. These cells have specific receptors that allow the virus to enter and replicate. Other cells, such as muscle cells and skin cells, do not have these receptors and therefore cannot be infected by HIV.

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