[Correlation between immunological markers and clinical course of HIV infection]

The interaction of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with CD4 molecule, which is expressed on various human cells is the crtical event in the pathogenesis of HIV infection. Decreased number and functional anergy of CD4+ T cells, which are the most important immunoregulatory cells, cause severe immunodeficiency. Having in mind that there is a significant correlation between clinical course of HIV infection and laboratory markers it is possible to predict progression of HIV infection toward acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). These markers can be divided into four categories: (1) measures of viral production; (2) the specific immune response to HIV; (3) nonspecific immune system activation; (4) measurements of immune system damage. In addition, the use of these predictors can improve clinical management of HIV-infected individuals.