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Abstract:
Reviews the information on the new concepts about the composition and properties of abnormal alpha-interferon-alpha-acid-labile interferon (alpha-ALI) detected in the blood of patients with AIDS, autoimmune, and other diseases. alpha-ALI includes alpha- and gamma-interferon which is responsible for acid lability. Increased content of serum alpha-ALI and its acid lability are poor prognostic signs in AIDS. A decrease in these values, concomitant with clinical improvement in some autoimmune diseases, indicates involvement of alpha-ALI in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Activating effect of gamma-interferon in vitro is demonstrated on different models, including HIV infection of human vascular endotheliocytes. The effect of alpha-ALI in patients is apparently determined by the ratio of its components alpha- and gamma-interferons.