Modulation of host defenses by cytokines: evolving adjuncts in prevention and treatment of serious infections in immunocompromised hosts.

Traditional management of infectious complications, especially in immunocompromised hosts, has depended on the prompt initiation of therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics. During the past several years, however, a number of cytokines (interleukins, hematopoietic growth factors, interferons) have been developed and produced by recombinant DNA technology, and preclinical and clinical studies of cytokines in immunocompromised hosts have begun. The data being generated suggest that certain cytokines can accelerate neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage production, enhance their function, and potentially decrease infectious complications. The role of these agents in both the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases represents an important research challenge and offers new approaches to the prevention and treatment of infection in immunocompromised hosts.