CD4 Hunter

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Game Features:

CD4 Hunter is a fast-paced, educational mini-game in which players take on the role of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virion. By immersing real science within simple game play, users learn about the first step of HIV-1’s fascinating and complex replication cycle: binding and attachment. CD4 Hunter invites players to enter the bloodstream and grow their viral population by infecting specific target cells, while evading the immune system.

Download CD4 Hunter for free to:

• Learn complex science through fast-paced and addictive game play

• Hunt for target cells in the human bloodstream

• Control and grow your viral population

• Face antibody attacks as the immune system fights infection

Learning Goals:

CD4 Hunter is the first in a series of mini-games to be developed by the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease at Drexel University College of Medicine, to introduce players to the dynamic world of infectious disease. CD4 Hunter was designed to supplement learning about the multi-stage process of the HIV-1 replication cycle, through interactive gameplay. This app is intended for use in biomedical science curriculum in higher education. Users apply knowledge about the biological processes involved during HIV-1 replication to advance in the game. CD4 Hunter focuses on meeting the following learning objectives:

1. Identify gp120 as a basic element of HIV-1 structure and apply knowledge about its function in the process of viral binding and entry.

2. Identify CD4+ T cells as targets for HIV-1 infection in humans and apply knowledge about their role in viral pathogenesis.

3. Identify and match the molecules on the surface of HIV-1 (i.e., gp120) and T cells (i.e., CD4+ receptor, and CCR5 and CXCR4 co-receptors) involved in viral binding and entry.

4. Apply concepts of viral tropism and immune evasion mechanisms to complete the HIV-1 infection cycle in CD4+ T cells.

Credits

Executive Producer and Consultant

Brian Wigdahl, PhD

Chair, Department of Microbiology and Immunology (M&I); and Executive Director, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease (IMMID), Drexel University College of Medicine

Subject Matter Expert and Project Supervisor  

Sandra Urdaneta-Hartmann, MD, PhD, MBA

Assistant Professor of M&I; and Director, the Center for Business and Program Development at IMMID, Drexel University College of Medicine

Game Designer

Carla Louise Brown, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of M&I and IMMID, Drexel College of Medicine

Programmer and Artist

Vincent Mills

Co-op student at M&I and IMMID, Game Art and Production Program, Drexel University College of Media Arts and Design (Class of 2018)

Animator and Artist

Andrew Dean Bishop

Co-op student at M&I and IMMID, Animation and Visual Effects, Drexel University College of Media Arts and Design (Class of 2018)

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SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Subject matter experts

Fred Krebs, PhD; William Dampier, PhD; Michael Nonnemacher, PhD; Vanessa Pirrone, PhD; Michael Wagner, PhD; and Mary Ann Comunale.

Beta testers

M&I graduate students

Drexel University Entrepreneurial Game Studio

*** Please help us improve this game by reporting any bugs to IMMID@drexelmed.edu. We welcome feedback and suggestions for upgrades and improvements. ***

©2017 Drexel University