Does HIV affect helper T cells?

HIV attacks a specific type of immune system cell in the body. It’s known as the CD4 helper cell or T cell. When HIV destroys this cell, it becomes harder for the body to fight off other infections.

What is the role of T cells in HIV?

During HIV infection, CD8+ T-cells are able to recognize infected cells through an MHC-I dependent process and are able to lyse cells harboring viral infection by the secretion of perforin and granzymes.

Which T lymphocytes are mainly affected by HIV?

HIV mainly infects CD4+ T lymphocytes. T lymphocytes in healthy individuals contain approximately 65% of CD4+ T lymphocytes and 35% of CD8+ T lymphocytes (3,4).

How does HIV attach to T helper cells?

HIV infects T cells via high-affinity interaction between the virion envelope glycoprotein (gp120) and the CD4 molecule. The infection of T cells is assisted by the T-cell co-receptor called CXCR4 while HIV infects monocytes by interacting with CCR5 co-receptor (Figure 1).

What is viral load and what is the relationship with CD4 T cells?

The two most important blood tests are for CD4 and viral load. CD4 and viral load test results give essential information about the effect HIV is having on your body. A CD4 count tells you how many CD4 cells there are in a drop of blood. The more there are, the better.

Can you have low CD4 count and undetectable viral load?

Between 5 and 27% of patients taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have persistently low CD4 cell counts despite having undetectable viral loads for long periods.

Is 40 viral load undetectable?

A viral load of 40 is excellent. This means that you’re undetectable, and that you can’t transmit HIV through sexual intercourse. It also means that there will be less risk to your baby. You’re already doing the best thing possible by being on ARVs and adhering to them.

What does a viral load of 120 mean?

People with an undetectable viral load sometimes experience what are called ‘blips’ in their viral load. Their viral load increases from undetectable to a low but detectable level (for example, 120 copies/ml) before becoming undetectable again on the next test. This should not be a cause for concern.