T-cell surface glycoprotein CD4 is also known as T-cell surface antigen T4/Leu-3 that plays an essential role in the immune response and serves multiple functions in responses against both external and internal offenses. In T-cells, functions primarily as a coreceptor for MHC class II molecule: peptide complex. The antigens presented by class II peptides are derived from extracellular proteins while class I peptides are derived from cytosolic proteins. Interacts simultaneously with the T-cell receptor (TCR) and the MHC class II presented by antigen presenting cells (APCs).CD4 is accessory protein for MHC class-II antigen/T-cell receptor interaction. CD4 induces the aggregation of lipid rafts. CD4 is a primary receptor used by HIV-1 to gain entry into host T cells. HIV infection leads to a progressive reduction of the number of T cells possessing CD4 receptors.
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