CD4 is a cell-surface glycoprotein found on the mature helper T cells and immature thymocytes, as well as on monocytes and macrophages. (Some cytotoxic T cells have CD4 protein as well.) Normally, about 65% of T cells in the blood are CD4+ (have CD4 protein protruding from their membrane). A mature T cell with have either CD4 or CD8, but not both. During one stage of development T cells develop CD4 and CD8 receptors, but they eventually are differentiated in the thymus and become more specialized. CD4 is also expressed on cortical cells, mature medullary thymocytes, microglial cells and dendritic cells.
