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Interferons in HIV and related diseases

BackgroundSince interferon-α has a very broad spectrum of activity it has been investigated in several clinical settings in the HIV-infected population. Kaposi's sarcomaThe rate of response to interferon-α is low in patients with low CD4 cell counts, but response rates of over 45% have been achieved in patients with higher counts. Primary therapy in HIV infectionIn 34 asymptomatic patients, the overall percentage of CD4 cells was higher in patients taking interferon-α compared to those taking a placebo and the rate of opportunistic infections was lower after a long-term follow-up. A relatively high dose of interferon-α was associated with predictable side effects.Lower doses have been used in combination with zidovudine. In a recent trial, 180 patients took either zidovudine alone, interferon-α alone or both drugs in combination. So far, the CD4 cell counts have been similar in all treatment groups. Hepatitis infectionThe rate of response shown by hepatitis B infection to interferon-α in patients with both hepatitis B and HIV has been reported as less than that in patients without HIV infection. Overall, studies have shown that approximately 37% of patients are cleared of hepatitis B DNA with 3 months of interferon-a treatment, compared with a 17% rate of spontaneous clearance. Among hepatitis C patients, 50–75% show a reduction in serum transaminases with 3 months of treatment. ConclusionsInterferon-α is of benefit in some HIV-infected patients, demonstrating efficacy in Kaposi's sarcoma, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.