HIV/AIDS Glossary
Apoptosis
Synonym(s): Programmed Cell Death
The deliberate, programmed death of a cell. Apoptosis is a normal biological process that helps the body stay healthy by eliminating old or damaged cells. One of the ways that HIV infection gradually destroys the immune system is by causing apoptosis of CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4 cells).
- printPrint this term
AIDSinfo Glossary App
Download Glossary
- English Version PDF (2.90MB)
- Spanish Version PDF (3.46 MB)