For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Digital Games & Game-Based Learning CD4 Hunter

Download
CD4 HunterTM

Apple iTunes

CD4 Hunter, the first mini-game developed in-house by the IMMID, is based on the mechanism of binding and attachment of HIV to target cells. Users play as HIV to locate, bind and infect as many specific target cells before being overcome by immune system (view the game tutorial). A prototype mini-game has been developed and it can be played on PC and touch screen devices including tablets, iPads and smartphones.

HIV was selected as the topic for the first game app because HIV infection is extensively discussed in several courses in the plans of study of different MS programs offered by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (M&I) which the IMMID helped develop and supports. HIV is also one of the major areas of research in M&I and IMMID.

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.

News

2018 International Serious Play Awards Bronze Medal

CD4 Hunter Wins Medal

CD4 Hunter was awarded a Bronze medal in the 2018 International Serious Play Awards. CD4 Hunter is one of twelve games and simulations designed for use in training that have been cited for excellence by the 2018 International Serious Play Awards Program.

Contributors

  • 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)
  • Subject Matter Expert and Project Supervisor
    Sandra Urdaneta-Hartmann, MD, PhD, MBA: Former Assistant Professor (M&I)
  • Game Designer
    Carla Louise Brown, PhD: Postdoctoral Fellow (M&I)
  • Programmer and Artist
    Vincent Mills: Co-op Student (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 (M&I and IMMID), Animation and Visual Effects, Drexel University College of Media Arts and Design (Class of 2018)
  • Subject Matter Experts
    Fred Krebs, PhD; William Dampier, PhD; Michael Nonnemacher, PhD; Vanessa Pirrone, PhD; Michael Wagner, PhD; and Mary Ann Comunale, PhD
  • Beta Testers
    Graduate Students (M&I)

IMMID Games

  • TickAttack™ (2024 International Serious Play Awards Gold Award)
  • CRISPR Cutout™ (International Serious Play Awards Silver Medal)
  • CD4 Hunter™ (2018 International Serious Play Awards Bronze Medal)
  • Malaria Invasion™ (International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2019 Creativity Award)
  • Hep B-Ware™ (2021 European Conference on Game-Based Learning 3rd Place)

 
 Back to Top