Interleukin 1 and interleukin 2 production in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related complex.

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) production by freshly isolated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated adherent monocytes-macrophages and IL-2 production by unstimulated and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-activated T cells were examined in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related complex (ARC). Spontaneous IL-1 production was significantly increased in patients with ARC, whereas IL-1 production by LPS-activated monocytes-macrophages was significantly decreased in patients with AIDS. Spontaneous IL-2 production by unstimulated T cells was significantly decreased in AIDS and IL-2 produced by PHA-activated T cells was significantly decreased in AIDS and ARC. This study shows abnormality of both monocyte and T-cell functions in AIDS and ARC. These abnormalities appear to play a role in the immunopathogenesis of AIDS.