CD4 cells, also known as Total T-Helper cells, are a type of white blood cell that play a vital role in your immune system. They are like the 'managers' of your immune system, directing other cells to fight off infections and diseases. These cells are named CD4 because they have a protein called CD4 on their surface. They are crucial for your body's defense against harmful viruses and bacteria. Think of them as the generals in your body's army, leading the charge to keep you healthy and protected.
If Your Levels Are High
A high percentage of Total T-Helper (CD4) Cells typically indicates a robust immune response, as these cells play a crucial role in the immune system by helping other cells fight off infections. However, elevated levels could also suggest certain health conditions. For instance, it could be a sign of an ongoing immune response to an infection, such as HIV, where the body is producing more CD4 cells to combat the virus. Certain medications, like interferons used in the treatment of diseases like multiple sclerosis and certain types of cancer, can also stimulate the production of CD4 cells, leading to higher levels. It's important to note that these are potential interpretations, and the exact cause can only be determined through a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's overall health and medical history.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of Total T-Helper (CD4) Cells percentage could include frequent infections, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and general feelings of being unwell. However, it's important to note that these symptoms can be quite general and may be caused by a variety of different conditions.
If Your Levels are Low
A low percentage of total T-helper (CD4) cells could indicate a weakened immune system. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as an ongoing infection or autoimmune diseases. Specifically, HIV/AIDS is known to significantly reduce CD4 cell count. Certain medications, like chemotherapy drugs or corticosteroids, can also lower CD4 cell count. Additionally, stress and poor nutrition can negatively impact your CD4 levels. It's important to note that this is a general interpretation and the specific cause can vary greatly from person to person.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of % Total T-Helper (CD4) Cells could include frequent infections, prolonged recovery from illnesses, fatigue, weight loss, and in severe cases, opportunistic infections which are infections that occur more frequently or are more severe in people with weakened immune systems.
Measures the integrity of the immune system at the cellular level to help identify a patient’s immune status and immunotype(s), based on 28 key biomarkers and determinants. The Lymphocyte MAP™ is an innovative new test that establishes a new standard in screening the immune system. As the best measurement of immune health, it classifies different lymphocytes beyond the ordinary testing of lymphocyte subpopulations. It includes not only T and B cells and CD4/CD8 ratios, but also the very important Th1, Th2, Treg (regulatory T cells), and Th17 cells and their ratios, as well as a variety of natural killer (NK) cells such as CD56+, CD16+, CD56+ D16+, CD57+, CD57+CD8+, CD57+CD16+ (known as the superkillers), and the immunoregulatory NKT cells. Detects overall immune health of individuals and disorders associated with infections, cancers, allergies/hypersensitivities, mast cell activation, and autoimmunities. Developed and published by Aristo Vojdani, PhD, MSc, CLS, known as the father of functional immunology, in 2004, 2006, 2011, and 2024.
Add-On Lymphocyte MAP by Cyrex Laboratories
Whole Blood
Measures the integrity of the immune system at the cellular level to help identify a patient’s immune status and immunotype(s), based on 28 key biomarkers and determinants. The Lymphocyte MAP™ is an innovative new test that establishes a new standard in screening the immune system. As the best measurement of immune health, it classifies different lymphocytes beyond the ordinary testing of lymphocyte subpopulations. It includes not only T and B cells and CD4/CD8 ratios, but also the very important Th1, Th2, Treg (regulatory T cells), and Th17 cells and their ratios, as well as a variety of natural killer (NK) cells such as CD56+, CD16+, CD56+ D16+, CD57+, CD57+CD8+, CD57+CD16+ (known as the superkillers), and the immunoregulatory NKT cells. Detects overall immune health of individuals and disorders associated with infections, cancers, allergies/hypersensitivities, mast cell activation, and autoimmunities. Developed and published by Aristo Vojdani, PhD, MSc, CLS, known as the father of functional immunology, in 2004, 2006, 2011, and 2024.
CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile by Access Med Labs
Whole Blood
The CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile measures the percentage and absolute counts of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, along with their ratio. This test is valuable for assessing and monitoring immune system function, as changes in these cell counts and ratios can indicate alterations in immune status.
CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile by Access Labcorp Draw
Whole Blood
The CD4:CD8 Ratio Profile measures the percentage and absolute counts of CD4+ and CD8+ cells, along with their ratio. This test is valuable for assessing and monitoring immune system function, as changes in these cell counts and ratios can indicate alterations in immune status.
Lymphocyte Subset Panel 2 by Access Med Labs
Whole Blood
The Lymphocyte Subset Panel 2 test is a comprehensive panel useful for assessing the patient's immune system functionality and aiding in the diagnosis and management of immunological disorders.