Endogenous and exogenous interferons in HIV-infection

Abstract

The interferons (IFNs) belong to the body's natural defensive response mechanisms directed against virus infections including also the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This review discusses the current knowledge concerning the role of IFNs types I and II during the HIV infection. The author analyzes the HIV-driven process of endogenous IFNs induction in different cell types as well as the development of unusual acid-labile IFN following the HIV infection, its nature and clinical significance. Possible action mechanisms of different exogenous IFN types against the HIV-infection are reviewed taking into consideration the stages of HIV replication accompanied by these mechanisms of action and describing both positive and negative roles of IFNs during this disease. The author discusses also some well-known IFN-inducible antiviral pathways participating in the anti-HIV mechanisms and enzymes realizing antiviral action (PKR, 2'5'-OAS, iNOS, IDO, Mx and 9-27 proteins). A problem of HIV defense against the anti-HIV IFN action as well as some aspects of HIV-accelerating IFN effects are also examined in detail.