The role of biological response modifiers on apoptosis in HIV infections and AIDS.
The vital role played by biological response modifiers especially interferon alpha (IFN) in HIV infections and AIDS is discussed. Apoptosis, a phenomenon of a genetically controlled physiological cell death is also discussed in relation to HIV infections and its response to oropharyngeal IFN therapy. HIV infections induce apoptosis at a stage when CD4-positive T lymphocytes are still immature and weakly expressing CD4 molecules. During IFN therapy, the process of apoptosis is blocked or down-regulated, thus rendering the immature cells to rapidly mature to strongly express CD4 molecules and to perform their expected functional role. These observations are of critical importance in further understanding of the salient features associated with HIV/AIDS, and which may be exploited in the design of strategic intervention measures.
Koech
D K
DK
Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, Kenya.