Which part of the immunological system suffers the greatest damage resulting from HIV infection?

A. Monocytes: These play a role in immune defense but are not the primary target of HIV. B. Macrophages: May become infected but are not the main site of immune damage. C. CD4+ T-lymphocytes: HIV specifically targets and destroys these cells, leading to progressive immune suppression. D. Dendrite cells: Important in immune response, but not the primary cells depleted in HIV.