cluster of differentiation 4

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Definition

Noun 1. A glycoprotein marker on immune cells: A specific protein, primarily found on the surface of certain T lymphocytes (helper T cells), that serves as a key marker for identifying and classifying these cells within the immune system. 2. A receptor for HIV: This glycoprotein also functions as the primary receptor that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) uses to enter and infect helper T cells.

Usage
  • In Immunology: The term is used to identify and count a specific type of white blood cell critical for immune function.
    • A low cluster of differentiation 4 count indicates a weakened immune system.
    • Doctors monitor the cluster of differentiation 4 levels in patients with HIV.
  • In Virology: The term is used when describing the mechanism of HIV infection.
    • The virus binds to the cluster of differentiation 4 receptor on the cell surface.
Advanced Usage
  • "CD4+ T cell" or "CD4 cell": A T lymphocyte that expresses the cluster of differentiation 4 protein on its surface. This is the most common usage in medical and scientific contexts.
    • The infection leads to a depletion of CD4+ T cells.
  • "CD4 count": A clinical measurement of the number of CD4+ T cells in a cubic millimeter of blood.
    • Her latest CD4 count showed significant improvement.
Variants and Related Words
  • CD4 (noun): The standard and universally used abbreviation for "cluster of differentiation 4".
    • The test measures CD4 levels.
  • Helper T cell (noun): The primary type of lymphocyte that carries the CD4 glycoprotein.
  • Glycoprotein (noun): A type of protein with carbohydrate groups attached, which is the category CD4 belongs to.
Synonyms
  • CD4 antigen
  • T4 antigen (an older, less common term)
Related Phrases
  • CD4 receptor: Emphasizes its function as a binding site for HIV.
    • HIV attaches to the CD4 receptor.
  • CD4 molecule: A neutral term referring to the protein structure itself.
Noun
  1. a glycoprotein that is found primarily on the surface of helper T cells
    • CD4 is a receptor for HIV in humans

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