title: An immune model defined by AIDS.
abstract: An immune control system is proposed which is made up of a pair of idiotypic T4 and T8 cells which recognize self-antigen, and a pair of anti-idiotypic T4 and T8 cells which recognize those idiotypic receptors. The protective and destructive elements of the control cells and their induced immunoglobulins are in equilibrium, allowing self-recognition and tolerance. One of the self-antigens monitored by the system is CD4, the T4 surface marker and also the HIV attachment site. In AIDS the HIV attachment antigen is immunologically identical to one of the CD4 control cell receptors. This disrupts the equilibrium of the system causing chronic T4 cell destruction.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Kennedy
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D001324:Autoantigens; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D001324:Autoantigens; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens