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nisms such as those described as ``CAF'' or chemokines, which may ultimately
overcome the capacity of the cytokine to promote virus replication. As for IL-2,
other cytokines such as IL-12 and GM-CSF (Angel et al., 2000) are currently
being considered for their potential bene®cial use in HIV-infected individuals.
G-CSF, a molecule devoid of HIV-modulating e¨ects, is broadly used in the
clinical settings for ®ghting the neutropenias often observed in patients with
advanced disease.
CONCLUSION
Cytokines have represented an important tool to better understand the pro-
found interactions occurring between HIV and the human immune system.
With the discovery of chemokine entry receptors and the related chemokines
acting as blockers of HIV infection (as separately discussed in this topic), the
general paradigm of the cytokine network touching each and every step of the
virus life cycle has been formally completed. This general observation is cause
for optimism about the possibility that manipulation of the cytokine system will
be of substantial help in controlling and, we hope, preventing HIV infection.
The fact that at least one cytokine, IL-2, is being currently evaluated in phase
III clinical trials in combination with antiviral agents strongly supports this
belief.
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