Definitions for "CD4 cell"
A type of white blood cell, also called a helper T cell. They help other immune cells work together to fight a variety of diseases. HIV infects CD4 cells and uses parts of the cell to reproduce.
(see also T cell) white blood cell that helps direct the body's infection-fighting cells. It is the primary target of HIV.
A kind of immune system cell that helps protect the body against infections. Also known as "T helper cells," CD4 cells activate other parts of the immune system response by telling other cells to perform their specific roles in fighting infection. Destruction of CD4 cells by HIV is the main way the virus weakens the immune system. A decreasing CD4 cell count means that an HIV+ person is at greater risk of getting opportunistic infections and illnesses.