Cytokines and HIV infection
Cytokines are proteins released by cells; examples of cytokines include interferons and interleukins. Cytokines affect the immune system, and they may aid in the production and activation of certain white blood cells (T-lymphocytes) to fight infection.
Cytokines also have antiviral and antitumour properties. For example, interferons may be used to treat tumours, including AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.1
| Author: | Douglas Dana Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: October 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine | |
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