HIV and CD4 cells

HIV and CD4 cells are terms which are related to each other. It would be easy for you to understand the development of AIDS if you study these both terms. HIV that is known as Human ImmunoDeficiency Virus is a virus that causes for the development of the AIDS. When the virus enters in the body of the person, it is called as HIV infection. HIV can be spread out through the several ways in the body. On the other hand CD4 cells are the chief elements in the formation of the immune system. The immune system is composed of the CD4 cells or T helper. These cells are known as a soldier cells. The main task of these cells is to protect the body from the attack of various infections and diseases. These cells keep the body protected and healthy. HIV enters in the body and stays in the CD4 cells. It hides for protecting itself from the attack of the immune system. Unfortunately, CD4 cells fail to recognize the existence of the HIV. HIV not only hides but also starts to replicating itself in order to weaken the immune system.

The reproduction process takes several years. It starts from the infection of HIV to developing the AIDS. The period between HIV infections to AIDS is broken into the stages. These are known as the stages of HIV. Every stage brings a person near to the AIDS. However, there are some symptoms that appear during these stages. One of the stages does not show the symptoms of HIV. The stage is called as asymptomatic stage. It means the stage without any symptoms. The replication process still goes on during these stages. Once the HIV takes over to the immune system a person gets developed AIDS. As a result of this the CD4 cells' count comes down. In such circumstances, opportunistic infections attack on the body. Opportunistic infections take the benefit of the damaged immune system. The immune system is totally damaged by HIV.

Why CD4 count is important?

When you go to the doctor or for the treatment for HIV, they especially check with your CD4 cells. The CD4 count leads a doctor to check with your immune system. The doctor checks your blood for the count of CD4 cells. While doing so, he/she measures the functioning of CD4 cells that are existing. The strength of the immune system depends on the count of the CD4 cells so the higher the number of CD4 cells the stronger the immune system. Those who have not infected with HIV, have 700 to 1000 CD4 cells in the drop of blood. When your CD4 cells counts drops below 200 CD4 cells, your immune system is no longer capable to resist or prevent the illness or sickness. Below 200 CD4 counts means you are classified as AIDS patient.

There are two chief types of T-cells.

CD8 cells

CD4 exists on the surface of the CD8 cells. These are known as helper cells. They start the response of the body to the invaders like viruses.

CD4 cells

CD8 is a molecule that is found on the surface on the CD4 cells. The function of these cells is that they demolish cells that have been infected with the viruses. Moreover they produce antibodies that are known as antiviral substances. Antibodies help to fight off the foreign invaders i.e. viruses etc.

HIV and CD4 cells are related to each other. HIV is a virus that damages the CD4 cells and thus takes hold of the immune system. The furnished information regarding CD4 cells would help you to know the function and the role of the CD4 cells regarding HIV infection.