The loss of CD4+ T cells impairs the immune system's ability to control infections, leading to chronic immune activation marked by persistent viral antigens, hyperinflammation, elevated proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), and increased susceptibility to infections, malignancies, and non-AIDS-related comorbidities such as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders [19, 23]. The gene discussed is CD4; the disease is infection.