CD4
noun
: a large glycoprotein that is found associated with a T cell receptor especially on the surface of helper T cells and that binds to a major histocompatibility complex molecule on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell to facilitate antigen recognition and T cell activation
—often used before another noun
the CD4 gene
CD4 T cells [=T cells bearing CD4 on their surface]
Note: CD4 is a receptor for HIV, and cells of the immune system bearing CD4 on their surface are preferentially infected with the virus and become progressively depleted.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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