CD4
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A glycoprotein found primarily on the surface of helper T cells: CD4 is a specific type of protein with attached sugar molecules, located mainly on the outer membrane of a crucial type of white blood cell called a helper T cell.
- A receptor for HIV in humans: This glycoprotein serves as the main entry point that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) uses to bind to and infect these immune cells.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The virus binds to the CD4 on the cell's surface.
- A low CD4 count is a key indicator of HIV progression.
- Researchers are studying ways to block the interaction between HIV and CD4.
Advanced Usage
- "CD4 count": A common medical measurement referring to the number of CD4-positive T lymphocytes in a cubic millimeter of blood. It is a primary marker for immune system health in people with HIV.
- Her doctor monitors her CD4 count every three months.
- "CD4 receptor": Often used to emphasize its function as a binding site.
- The virus must attach to the CD4 receptor to enter the cell.
Variants and Related Words
- CD4+ T cell (noun): A helper T cell that expresses the CD4 glycoprotein on its surface. This is the primary cell type infected by HIV.
- HIV depletes the body's population of CD4+ T cells.
- CD8 (noun): Another glycoprotein, found on the surface of a different type of T cell (cytotoxic T cells). It is often discussed in contrast to CD4 in immunology.
Synonyms
- Cluster of Differentiation 4: The formal, technical name for CD4.
- T4 antigen: An older term sometimes used for CD4.
Related Phrases
- CD4 cell: A common shorthand for a CD4+ T lymphocyte.
- The infection leads to a loss of CD4 cells.
- CD4 binding site: The specific region on the CD4 molecule where HIV attaches.
- New drugs target the CD4 binding site to prevent infection.
Noun
- a glycoprotein that is found primarily on the surface of helper T cells
- CD4 is a receptor for HIV in humans