Review on role of CD4 T-cells in patients with respiratory illness and human immunodeficiency virus infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is now considered as a chronic disease in a population having a higher prevalence of several commodities. Infection with HIV has now emerged as the strongest risk factor for the development of active tuberculosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and lung cancer. Several studies have investigated the presence of respiratory symptoms in the HIV-infected population. HIV infects CD4+ T-lymphocytes selectively and causes the destruction of CD4+ T-cells directly as well as indirectly, which leads to gradual loss of the CD4+ T-cell numbers in peripheral circulation. In immune response, CD4+ T-lymphocytes play a central regulatory role. The decrease in numbers of CD4+ T-cell can compromise the normal immune functions of the body. CD4+ T-cell numbers in circulation can provide important information about the immune competence of an individual since early detection and appropriate management of the disease is a priority, in order to improve patients' prognosis and to improve the quality of life.