Open AccessIncreased Circulating Interleukin-7 Levels in HIV-1-Infected Women
Author(s) -
Laura A. Napolitano,
Trevor D. Burt,
Peter Bacchetti,
Yolanda Barrón,
Audrey L. French,
Andrea Kovács,
Kathryn Anastos,
Mary Young,
Joseph M. McCune,
Ruth M. Greenblatt
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.162
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1944-7884
pISSN - 1525-4135
DOI - 10.1097/01.qai.0000187442.53708.b4
Subject(s) - homeostasis , immunology , biology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , interleukin , t cell , interleukin 15 , cd4 t cell , interleukin 2 , immune system , medicine , endocrinology , cytokine
Sex-based differences in CD4 T-cell (CD4) counts are well recognized, but the basis for these differences has not been identified. Conceivably, homeostatic factors may play a role in this process by regulating T-cell maintenance and repletion. Interleukin (IL)-7 is essential for normal T-cell production and homeostasis. We hypothesized that differences in IL-7 might contribute to sex-based differences in CD4 counts. Circulating IL-7 levels were analyzed in 299 HIV-1-infected women and men. Regression analysis estimated that IL-7 levels were 40% higher in women than in men (P = 0.0032) after controlling for CD4 count, age, and race. Given the important role of IL-7 in T-cell development and homeostasis, these findings suggest that higher IL-7 levels may contribute to higher CD4 counts in women.