[Cytokines in persons infected with HIV and patients with AIDS]

The cytokine system is affected by human immunodeficiency virus. The virus stimulates or inhibits the production of various cytokines. On the other hand, many cytokines may interfere with HIV replication. Interferons (mainly alpha- and beta-type) inhibit and tumor necrosis factors stimulate the virus replication in vitro. However, in vivo in HIV-infected patients it appears that IFN but not TNF is reliable progression marker of AIDS.