Elevated levels and Clinical Association of Serum Cytokines in Untreated HIV-1 Infection

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection disturbs the balance of CD4+ T cells and monocytes in the immune system. In the early stage of infection, the virus stimulates the activation and proliferation of immune cells, induces the release of cytokines, destroys CD4+ T cells, and accelerates HIV-1 replication and AIDS progression. It is essential to explore cytokine changes after HIV-1 infection and further understand the underlying mechanism of HIV infection. Methods In this study, we enrolled 38 HIV-infected subjects and 30 healthy subjects. We measured and compared CD4+ T cell counts and the serum cytokine levels in different groups. Results Our results showed significantly higher serum levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in HIV-infected patients. Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were observed in the < 200/mL CD4+ T cell count group, and higher levels of IL-2 were observed in the CCR5-tropic HIV strain group. Conclusion In conclusion, we found that HIV infection-induced activation of the immune system and cytokines could predict the severity of HIV disease and regulate HIV infection and replication differently depending on the type of virus strain.