Production of cytokines by peripheral blood monocytes/macrophages infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)

Article Abstract:

Monocytes/macrophages are white blood cells which play an important role in the function of the immune system. In addition to performing phagocytosis, or ingestion, of foreign organisms and presenting processed antigens to T cells, the monocytes/macrophages also secrete cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), which help modulate the inflammatory response. Since these substances are elevated in the blood of some patients with AIDS, it is important to determine if their elevation is a consequence of all the various infections associated with AIDS or whether monocytes/macrophages infected with HIV actually overproduce these substances. The production of four different cytokines was examined in healthy and HIV-infected monocytes/macrophages; in addition to TNF alpha and IL-1 beta, interleukin-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were measured. The results showed no elevation of any of these substances in cultures of infected cells. Furthermore, it was found that the infected cells retained the capability to produce these substances, and could do so when stimulated with the appropriate substances, such as bacterial toxins. The results indicate that the infection of these cells with the human immunodeficiency virus does not seem to alter the production of cytokines. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Infection, Physiological aspects, HIV infection, HIV infections, Macrophages, Cytokines, Monocytes, Virus-induced immunosuppression

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HLA-B*5701 screening for hypersensitivity to abacivir

Article Abstract:

A study to check the effectiveness of HLA-B*5701 screening to prevent hypersensitivity to abacavir is conducted. Results confirm the hypothesis that HLA-B*5701 screening reduced hypersensitivity to abacavir.

United States, Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Genetic aspects, Allergy, Dosage and administration, Allergic reaction, Abacavir, Clinical report

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