Th1 versus Th2 responses in AIDS.
During the past two years, a simple theory that seeks to explain what causes the progression of HIV-infected individuals to AIDS has been gaining support. The theory holds that HIV-infected people switch from a T-helper type 1 (Th1) to a T-helper type 2 (Th2) state as the disease progresses. However the experimental data do not support the concept that a Th1/Th2 switch occurs in the majority of HIV-infected subjects, although it is conceivable that HIV-infected individuals who mount sustained and chronic Th2-type responses, as a result of allergic disorders and helminthic infestations, may undergo more active HIV replication and therefore progress faster to full-blown disease.
Romagnani
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Istituto di Clinica Medica 3, University of Florence, Italy.
Maggi
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D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D014779:Virus Replication