CD4 T lymphocytes form a subgroup of T lymphocytes that is responsible for cell-mediated immune responses.
Synonyms
T helper cell
CD4 cells
Detailed description
T lymphocytes carrying the surface antigen CD4 are called T helper cells. After activation, they release substances that are either involved in cell-mediated immunity or that stimulate B cell immune responses. HIV infects mainly this T lymphocyte subgroup.
Temporary loss of T cell immunity towards various virus infections (e.g. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) or Adenovirus (AdV)) is a main cause of infection-related mortality in severely immunocompromised patients, like individuals upon allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation ...