A type of white blood cell that acts as a communicator between the different cells in the immune system.
Cells that manage “watchmen cells” (see immune system). Working together, they patrol the body and look out for intruders. CD4 cells are HIV's main target: The virus infects and destroys them. When too many CD4 cells have been destroyed, the watchmen cannot do their job properly. Protection of the body is no longer ensured and opportunistic diseases can develop.
1. A type of T cell involved in protecting against viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. These cells normally orchestrate the immune response, signaling other cells in the immune system to perform their special functions. Also known as T helper cells. 2. HIV's preferred targets are cells that have a docking molecule called "cluster designation 4" (CD4) on their surfaces. Cells with this molecule are known as CD4-positive (or CD4+) cells. Destruction of CD4 lymphocytes is the major cause of the immunodeficiency observed in AIDS, and decreasing CD4 lymphocyte levels appears to be the best indicator for developing opportunistic infections. Although CD4 counts fall, the total T cell level remains fairly constant through the course of HIV disease, because of a concomitant increase in the CD8 cells. The ratio of CD4 to CD8 cells is therefore an important measure of disease progression. See CD8 (T8) Cells; Immunodeficiency.
A type of blood cell that protects the body against viral, fungal or protozoal infection. HIV replicates or multiplies within CD4 cells and destroys them in the process.
(also called T4) Specialized white blood cells that instruct other cells to fight an infection caused by germs, like HIV. The CD4 cells are also the cells that HIV destroys. Ectopic A pregnancy outside the uterus
(also called T4) Specialized white blood cells that instruct other cells to fight an infection caused by germs, like HIV. The CD4 cells are also the cells that HIV destroys. Esophagus Tube that links the mouth to the stomach and through which food passes to get to the stomach. Immune System Network of chemicals, cells, tissues and organ within your body that work together to fight infections. Opportunistic infections Infections that would normally not happen, but that do because the immune system is weakened and cannot fight them.
A type of T cell involved in protecting against viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. These cells normally orchestrate the immune response, signaling other cells in the immune system to perform their special functions. Also known as T helper cells. HIV's preferred targets. Destruction of CD4+ cells is the major cause of the immunodeficiency observed in AIDS. Lab work is done at specific intervals to measure the number of CD4 cells in circulation.
A type of blood cell involved in protecting the body against viral, fungal and protozoal infections. CD4 cells are part of the human immune response. If HIV is inside the human body, it targets and replicates within, CD4 cells, destroying them in the process. The cells are so named because they have a particular marker, known as a CD4 receptor, on their surface. CD4 cells are sometimes called the 'conductors' of the immune system, since they orchestrate the responses of other cells.
