Interferon and interferon inhibitor levels in patients infected with varicella-zoster virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex, or Kaposi's sarcoma, and in normal individuals
Ambrus, J.L.; Poiesz, B.J.; Lillie, M.A.; Stadler, I.; Di Berardino, L.A.; Chadha, K.C.
American Journal of Medicine 87(4): 405-407
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9343 PMID: 2478016 Document Number: 333625
Previous studies had reported that normal individuals do not have measureable levels of interferons in their circulation, whereas high levels have been found in patients in the early stages of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and in those with AIDS-related complex (ARC). This study was undertaken to compare levels of interferon and interferon inhibitors in plasma samples from patients with AIDS, ARC, Kaposi's sarcoma, or varicella-zoster virus infection, and from control subjects. A total of 206 persons were tested for the presence of interferon and interferon inhibitors in their plasma: 76 with ARC or AIDS, with or without Kaposi's sarcoma or lymphoma; 32 with varicella-zoster infection; 12 with AIDS-unrelated Kaposi's sarcoma; and 86 normal control subjects at high or low risk of AIDS with or without positive antibody levels of human immunodeficiency virus-1. Total interferon activity was measured by bioassay and the subtypes were not separated. Of 86 normal control subjects, 85 had no significant levels of interferon or interferon inhibitor. One disease-free homosexual exhibited measurable interferon levels. Patients acutely infected with varicella-zoster virus showed no measurable interferon or inhibitor levels except if they were in a high-risk group of AIDS. Seventy-six patients with ARC or AIDS exhibited measurable circulating interferon levels. Only patients with AIDS had interferon inhibitors in their circulation. Of 12 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma unrelated to AIDS, none had measurable interferon inhibitor levels, but some exhibited measurable interferon levels. It is suggested that levels of interferon inhibitor should be considered when interferon is used therapeutically in viral or neoplastic diseases.