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.
Almost everybody has it: Scientists estimate that approximately 98 percent of adults around the world are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus. In rare cases, an infection with this virus causes
Severe malaria, caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, causes dangerous circulatory disorders and neurological complications. If the affected person is not treated immediately, the disease will
Scientists from the Heidelberg University Hospital and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) have succeeded in elucidating and specifically activating protective mechanisms against malaria
The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is an important gut pathogen and the main cause of gastric ulcers and gastric cancer. As yet it was not clear, which mechanisms play a role in these secondary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) prevents infected cells from being attacked by the immune system. The virus drives production of small molecules, so-called microRNAs, that suppress alarm signals sent out by
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. Scientists at LMU´s Max von Pettenkofer
DZIF scientists at the Heidelberg University Hospital developed a virus blocker against hepatitis B and D, which has been successful in two clinical trials
There are four globally endemic human coronaviruses which, together with the better known rhinoviruses, are responsible for causing common colds. Usually, infections with these viruses are harmless to
