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 [email protected]. We welcome feedback and suggestions for upgrades and improvements. ***
©2017 Drexel University
Category : Educational
Reviews (12)
This is a great game, but I think it would be a bit more realistic if if showed the virions fusing to the host cell and then the host cell creating new virions. Cool game!
This is a very nice game. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks developers
Cool concept, unrefined mechanics.
Educational and fun!
it gud. but control veri bad
I would suggest making the original HIV cell change shape whilst fusing with the host cell, and dissolving before new HIV cells appear within the host cell.
Worst game.waste of mbs
Great idea but I really couldn't play because the colors are almost indistinguishable to me. At least that is what I think is going on. There are color charts out there that help designers understand which color palettes and combinations to use that can be seen by those with color deficiencies. I highly recommend that you consult them.
This game is the best way to learn and have fun at the same time. I wish that there were more games like this one.
I dont know how to control it!
Cool fun game. Only problem for me was the tutorial was a bit fast so I couldn't read it and understand the science. Would be better if i could tap the screen to move to the next instruction when I'm ready. Other than that this could become addictive...
Great educational game overall! Would be great, if possible, if you could add an animation of the HIV virion fusing with the host cell, instead of entering it intact.