Definitions

B-Cells - Develop in the stems cells of bone marrow. They are responsible for producing antibodies to help protect the body from viruses.

CD4 Cells - A type of white blood cell that acts as a communicator between the different cells in the immune system.

Cofactor – a secondary receptor that is required in order for HIV to successfully bind with target cells.
Dendritic Cells - The immune system’s first line of defense, they are usually found in the linings of the throat and mouth. Cells that work in conjunction with macrophages.

Envs – envelope glycoproteins – glycoproteins on the surface of the HIV virus.

Immune System - A large defense system in the body made up of millions of organs and cells that all contribute to fighting invading viruses.

Macrophages - “Big Eaters” work in conjunction with the dendritic cells as the immune system’s first line of defense. Macrophages protect different organs (e.g. lungs, brain, liver).

Macrophage Tropic HIV Isolates – HIV that tends to infect only macrophages.

Natural Killer Cells - Cells which engulf an infected cell.

Opportunistic Diseases - Diseases which take advantage of a weaken immune system in the event that it has been damaged or disable in anyway.

T-Cell tropic HIV Isolates – HIV that tends to infect only the T-cells.

T-Killer Cells (Cytotoxic T-Cells) - Cells which recognize an infected cell and kill that cell to prevent the spread of the virus. They also have CD8 Receptor proteins.