What Pathway Helps Hiv Attack The T-cell

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Get the Facts

Understanding CD4 Cells and CD4 Cell Tests

The Basics CD4 Count and HIV CD4 Count and HIV Treatment CD4 Cell Test The Bottom Line The Basics Your immune system protects your body by fighting germs and infections.White blood cells are an important part of your immune system. HIV infects and destroys a type of white blood cell called aCD4 cell (sometimes called a T-cell). When the immune system loses too many CD4 cells, it becomes weak and isunable to fight off germs. At...

Ask the Experts

HIV attacks CD8 cells?

My Drs. can't answer this and my lengthy internet searches are fruitless. I know all about how HIV attacks CD4s, but does it also infect/hijack CD8s? Thank you!...

Response from Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C.

Stanford University, School of Medicine

Unlikely to infect CD8 cells, unless they are dual positive CD4/CD8, of which there are a few. On the other hand, infecting CD4 cells and destroying them does affect CD8 function, in that CD4 cells are important in signaling CD8 cells to function... Read more »

Cytotoxic T cells and cancer in HIV patients

If cytotoxic T cells attack viruses and tumor antigens, why do HIV patients have increased cancers? ...

Response from Bruce Dezube, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

For the general reader of this forum, a word of explanation is in order. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes are a very important part of the immune system of both HIV+ and HIV- folks. As the query suggests, these cells are involved with helping individuals... Read more »

Heart Attack Revisted/Need Your Help

Hi Dr. Wohl,I wrote to you back in April with "To Burp Or Not To Burp" regarding what we thought was a stomach issue. I followed-up to let you know after the MI and emergency open-heart surgery that it was in fact a heart issue. Well now...

Response from David Wohl, M.D.

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Dear Semi,I have to confess that I did not even know that stem cells were used for this condition. I will check with some cardiology pals to see what I can find out.At first glance, I agree that if your viral load is less than 50 the risk of... Read more »

HIV- ARS since SHINGLES attack 4 years ago

Could you please tell me what the definition of AIDS is?I have had ARS since my SHINGLES attack 4 years ago after a high risk exposure. My testing results have been a big puzzle. 2/20/96 -HIV-1 ELISA, 6/05/96 -HIV-1 ELISA, 3/28/98 -HIV 1/2 ELISA,...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

Your question is complicated, so I'll take it in order. First, it isn't clear to me that you're HIV+. All antibody tests (which are diagnostic) appear to have been negative. Small viral loads in the absence of a positive antibody... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

Anxiety (attack)

Posted by worriedsick, 3 Replies

Hello everyone,

I just recently took a 15 day waiting test for HIV--the miami health department made it a nightmare to take the get your results in an hour test. I am unsure of my status but the anxiety is killing me--to top it off i am taking the... Read more »

T Cells

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

I have consistantly tested negative on several tests over the past two years. However, I keep getting symptoms of hiv and my t cells are lurking around the 400 range. I have more test results comminmg back on feb 4th.

Is there anyone else out there... Read more »

my friend had a heart attack

Posted by Anonymous, 5 Replies

i am in the precarious position of a good friend to two guys who are hiv+ and extremely secretive about their status. one friend just had a heart attack. his partner (my very close friend) has been visiting him in the hospital and i suspect that... Read more »

Had A Real Attack of Tremor in the Evening

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

Dear Friends,

I know you will advise me to get counseling, etc. My question is, if it is PN, or other HIV complications, would I have this strange pattern in my symptoms?

I got a severe attack of tremors at night, pulsation everywhere, but when I woke... Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>