What are T cells? Why are T cells important in HIV?
T cells, or CD4+ cells, are a kind of white blood cell — and are an important part of the immune system. When HIV infects the body, it attacks these cells, reducing their count as the virus multiplies. Fewer T cells means a weakened immune system. A person is more likely to get sick with a low T-cell count. HIV therapy can help raise your T-cell count by keeping the virus in check.
T cells, or CD4+ cells, are a kind of white blood cell — and are an important part of the immune system. When HIV infects the body, it attacks these cells, reducing their count as the virus multiplies. Fewer T cells means a weakened immune system. A person is more likely to get sick with a low T-cell count. HIV therapy can help raise your T-cell count by keeping the virus in check. This allows the T cells to recover and defend the body against infections.
