[Role of cytokines in the regulation of HIV expression]

The cytokine network, which is involved in the regulation of normal immune responses, may play a role in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, by altering the replication of HIV in target cells. In vitro data, suggest that certain cytokines like "tumor necrosis factor" alpha (TNF alpha) "granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor" (GM-CSF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) could up-regulate HIV expression in T-cells and macrophages. Other cytokines like alpha interferon, are potent inhibitors of HIV replication. Surprisingly, the macrophage and the T-lymphocyte, the main source of cytokines in the body, do not produce any of these cytokines following HIV infection. B-lymphocytes however, spontaneously release TNF alpha and IL-6, that might enhance HIV replication in nearby monocytes and T-lymphocytes. This situation may occur in lymph nodes, a major reservoir of HIV.