[Cytokines in viral infections]

The role of cytokines and chemokines in viral replication and antiviral immunity is discussed. Some viruses may have genes that mimic the host genes (cytokines or cytokine receptors) and their functioning may inhibit the synthesis or processing of cell proteins important for defense. Some of host cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of viral infection (HIV, herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, and some others).