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Cytokines play an important role in controlling the homoeostasis of the immune system. Infection with HIV results in dysregulation of the cytokine profile in vivo and in vitro. During the course of HIV-1 infection secretion of T-helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, and antiviral interferon (IFN)-γ, is generally decreased, whereas production of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines, IL-4, IL-10, proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α;, is increased. Such abnormal cytokine production contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease by impairing cell- mediated immunity. A number of cytokines have been shown to modulate in vitro HIV-1 infection and replication in both CD4 T lymphocytes and cells of macrophage lineage. HIV-inductive cytokines include: TNF-α, TNF-p, IL-1 and IL-6, which stimulate HIV-1 replication in T cells and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), IL-2, IL …