Tumor necrosis factor and interferon as prognostic markers in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

Peripheral blood cells were obtained from patients at different stages of their human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It was found that the capacity to generate interferon alpha was reduced already at Walter Reed stage 2 (WR) while the interferon gamma capacity remained largely unaffected until WR stage 4. Endogenous tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha production increased as the HIV disease progressed. The data obtained add to our knowledge on destruction of the immune system by the HIV. Moreover TNF and acid labile interferon alpha might contribute to HIV replication and disease progression. Nevertheless the tests performed are too time-consuming to be introduced into routine analysis of HIV infection or for monitoring its therapy and can so far not be used for intervention strategies. Further studies are needed.