Tumor necrosis factors alpha and beta in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and aids-related complex.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with abnormalities of both T-cell and B-cell immunity in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Previous studies demonstrated deficient production of the cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma). Tumor necrosis factor alpha and tumor necrosis factor beta have not been previously investigated in AIDS. In this study we demonstrate that peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with HIV infection who have either AIDS-related complex or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome are deficient in the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha and tumor necrosis factor beta. These cytokines, derived predominantly from monocytes or lymphocytes, respectively, function as immunoregulatory, antitumor, and antiinfective proteins. A deficiency in their production may therefore be responsible for many of the complications associated with HIV infection in patients with AIDS-related complex or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.