Cortisol upregulates HIV p24 antigen production in cultured human monocyte-derived macrophages.

HIV infection is associated with hypercortisolemia. Since glucocorticoids have been shown to stimulate the replication of several viruses, we examined the effects of cortisol on HIV replication in cultured monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), a cell type that has been proposed to serve as a viral reservoir. Our data revealed that physiological concentrations of cortisol upregulate viral replication in MDM. Because the dose-response curve for cortisol on HIV replication in vivo is not known, the clinical relevance of these findings remain uncertain. Clinical studies are needed to characterize the effects of corticosteroid therapy on viral burden in vivo.