Свойства и роль фактора некроза опухолей альфа в патогенезе ВИЧ-инфекции

This review presents the current understanding regarding the tumor necrosis factor alpha: its origin, receptors, main properties and its role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection (the infection, caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Tumor necrosis factor alpha induces viral replication in CD4+ T lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages, promotes death of uninfected CD4+ T lymphocytes as well as CD8+ by the mechanism of apoptosis, allowing the progression of immunodeficiency. Tumor necrosis factor alpha maintains the viability of infected CD4+ T lymphocytes, contributing to the formation of the viral reservoir in the patient. Elevated levels of the tumor necrosis factor alpha in the blood plasma of HIV-infected individuals should be regarded as a marker of disease progression.