abnormal CD4-positive, alpha beta T cell number decreased CD4-positive, alpha beta T cell number Generally, when immunologists write CD8 positive T cell, what they mean is CD8-positive, alpha-beta T cell (CL:0000625). Similarly, when immunologists write CD4 positive T cell, what they mean is CD4-positive, alpha-beta T cell (CL:0000624). T cells bearing the alpha-beta T cell receptor are the most common in the body, and are the most commonly studied, so much so, that in many published papers, the authors do not even bother to specify (or assume) they are studying alpha-beta T cells and thus omit saying so. MP:0008075 MPheno.ontology decreased CD4+ T cell number decreased CD4-positive T cell number reduced CD4+ T cell number reduced number of the subset of T lymphocytes that carry the CD4 marker, recognize intravesicular peptides bound to MHC class-II molecules, and turn on antibody production decreased alpha-beta T cell number