Objective: To investigate the dynamics of interleukin-21(IL-21) cytokine in the Chinese HIV patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAAPT).
Methods: A total of 25 adults with chronic HIV infections, responding to combined highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) guideline criteria were enrolled for a 1-year follow-up. After signing an informed consent, 20 mL blood was collected from each patient at the base line, 6 month and 12 month, respectively. CD4 and CD8 cell count was quantified by flux cytometry, serum HIV RNA quantified by real time PCR and IL-21 concentrations by ELISA.
Results: IL-21 levels increased gradually during the follow-up but did not reach the healthy levels. IL-21 correlated positively with the CD4 cells but not with CD8 T cells. HIV RNA correlated negatively with CD4 cell count but did not show any relationship with the CD8 cells.
Conclusion: IL-21 has potential role in the immunopathogenesis of HIV, and might be an important factor in immune construction during HAART.