CD4: a co-receptor in the immune response and HIV infection

CD4 is a transmembrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily, expressed on developing thymocytes, major histocompatibility class II (class II MHC) restricted mature T lymphocytes and, in humans, on cells of the macrophage/monocyte lineage. On lymphoid cells, CD4 plays a critical role during thymocyte ontogeny and in the function of mature T cells. CD4 binds to non-polymorphic regions of class II MHC acting as a co-receptor for the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR). It increases avidity between thymocytes and antigen-presenting cells and contributes directly to signal transduction through association with the Src-like protein tyrosine kinase p56lck. Its precise role on monocytes and macrophages is unclear. CD4 is also a co-receptor for the human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV). Clinically, CD4 antibodies may be used to achieve immunological tolerance to grafts and transplants.