The CD4 molecule and HIV infection.

CD4 (T4), a glycoprotein expressed largely on the surface of cells in the immune system, serves as the receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. The isolation of the CD4 gene has permitted an analysis of the structure of CD4 and its role in both HIV infection and the immune response. Recently, new classes of CD4-based therapeutics have been generated that interfere with HIV attachment to target cells. Soluble CD4 proteins and CD4-based chimeric molecules are currently undergoing clinical evaluation in HIV-infected individuals.