Helper/suppressor ratio
Helper/Suppressor Ratio
The Helper/Suppressor Ratio (pronounced: help-er/suh-pres-er ray-shi-oh) is a medical term used to describe the balance between two types of T lymphocytes: Helper T cells and Suppressor T cells. This ratio is often used as an indicator of immune system health, particularly in the context of HIV/AIDS and other immune disorders.
Etymology
The term "Helper/Suppressor Ratio" is derived from the names of the two types of T cells it refers to. "Helper" T cells are so named because they assist in the immune response by activating other immune cells, while "Suppressor" T cells are named for their role in suppressing the immune response to prevent overactivity.
Definition
The Helper/Suppressor Ratio is calculated by dividing the number of Helper T cells by the number of Suppressor T cells in a blood sample. A normal ratio is typically between 1.0 and 2.0. A ratio below 1.0 indicates a suppressed immune system, which can be a sign of an immune disorder such as HIV/AIDS.
Related Terms
- T lymphocytes: A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune response.
- Helper T cells: A type of T lymphocyte that assists in the immune response by activating other immune cells.
- Suppressor T cells: A type of T lymphocyte that suppresses the immune response to prevent overactivity.
- HIV/AIDS: A disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that leads to a progressive failure of the immune system.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Helper/suppressor ratio
- Wikipedia's article - Helper/suppressor ratio
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