Abstract
The size and composition of the CD4+ T-cell population is regulated by balanced proliferation of progenitor cells and death of mature progeny. After infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, this homeostasis is often disturbed and CD4+ T cells are instead depleted. Such depletion cannot result simply from accelerated destruction of mature CD4+ T cells - sources of T-cell production must also fail. Ironically, this failure may be precipitated by physiological mechanisms designed to maintain homeostasis in the face of accelerated T-cell loss.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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CD4 Lymphocyte Count
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / virology
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Cell Death
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Disease Progression
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HIV / immunology
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HIV / pathogenicity
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HIV / physiology
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HIV Infections / immunology*
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HIV Infections / physiopathology
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HIV Infections / virology
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Humans
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Leukopoiesis
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Lymphocyte Activation
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Lymphoid Tissue / immunology
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Lymphoid Tissue / virology
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Models, Biological