CD4 and infection: Galectin-9, a host protein released by EBV-infected cells, interacts with the Tim1 membrane receptor and causes T cells to undergo apoptosis (Fig. 6d).427 There is proof that vesicular galectin-9 can make EBV-specific CD4+ cells apoptotic, negatively affecting macrophage and T cell activation.285 The content of EVs can be altered by oncogenic viruses and viruses that can cause long-term persistent infections, which have been postulated to make infection easier and contribute to persistence and pathogenesis.