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.
The latest outbreaks of emerging, dangerous pathogens, such as Ebola, MERS-CoV or Zika, emphasise the importance of the rapid development of effective vaccines. However, being able to predict the
Scientists from the Hannover Medical School (MHH) have elucidated how Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis. Chronic infections with the globally ubiquitous pathogen can also lead to gastric ulcers and
DZIF researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) develop new agents and methods for the localisation and treatment of multi-resistant bacteria. Molecular probes utilise the iron
Some HIV-infected – and untreated children – who do not develop AIDS, control the virus in a different way from the few infected adults who remain disease-free. Dr Maximilian Muenchhoff, DZIF
Prof Marcus Altfeld and Dr Angelique Hölzemer from the Heinrich Pette Institute (HPI) have been honoured with the "Hector Award HIV 2017”. Both scientists also work at the DZIF research field HIV.
Researchers at the ImmunoSensation cluster of excellence at the University of Bonn have managed to do what many scientists dream of: together with researchers from the USA, they have patented new
In 2016, a clinical phase I trial on a potential vaccine against the dreaded Ebola virus was successfully completed. The tested vaccine “rVSV-ZEBOV” proved to be safe and effective. In a further trial
During pregnancy, a mother’s immune system is suppressed to protect the fetus, which is perceived as a foreign body because it is genetically different. A partly DZIF funded study in mice found that
The human immunodeficiency virus has to overcome major obstacles to infect inactive immune cells. DZIF scientists have investigated the defence mechanism of these cells and found indications of a new
Since autumn 2015, the Zika virus epidemic has been causing marked increases in the birth of babies with much too small heads, or so-called “microcephaly”, especially in South and Central America. The
