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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

In Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Impact of Immunoregulatory Pathways on HIV-specific CD4 T Cell Effector Function
09:26

In Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Impact of Immunoregulatory Pathways on HIV-specific CD4 T Cell Effector Function

Published on: October 16, 2013

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

K Bowers1, C Pitcher, M Marsh

  • 1Medical Research Council Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, U.K.

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|June 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

CD4, a key protein on T cells and macrophages, acts as a co-receptor for T-cell receptors and is crucial for immune responses. It also serves as an entry point for HIV, impacting cell function and potential therapeutic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • CD4 is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily.
  • It is expressed on thymocytes, T lymphocytes, and human macrophage/monocyte lineages.
  • CD4 plays a vital role in T cell development and function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of CD4 in cellular interactions and immune signaling.
  • To investigate CD4's function as a co-receptor for T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II.
  • To explore CD4's involvement in viral entry, specifically for human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV/SIV).

Main Methods:

  • The study focuses on the known functions and interactions of CD4 based on existing literature and established biological pathways.
  • Analysis of CD4's binding to MHC class II and its association with p56lck.
  • Examination of CD4's role as a co-receptor for viral entry.

Main Results:

  • CD4 functions as a co-receptor for TCR, binding to MHC class II and enhancing cell-cell avidity.
  • It is essential for signal transduction via association with p56lck.
  • CD4 serves as a critical co-receptor for HIV and SIV entry into host cells.
  • Its precise role in monocytes and macrophages requires further clarification.

Conclusions:

  • CD4 is indispensable for T cell ontogeny and mature T cell function.
  • Its role as a viral co-receptor highlights its significance in infectious diseases.
  • Therapeutic applications using CD4 antibodies for immunological tolerance are clinically relevant.

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