Correction of antigen-specific T-lymphocyte function by recombinant cytokines in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

To determine the role of cytokines in the immunodeficiency of children infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), we compared the antigen-specific (tetanus toxoid-induced) T-lymphocyte blastogenesis of HIV-1-infected patients with and without the addition of exogenous interleukin-1 and interleukin-2. Acquisition of in vitro antigen-specific immunologic function was seen in some patients after the addition of exogenous cytokines. The antigen-specific immunodeficiency in some HIV-1-infected children is due to defects in cytokine production rather than to an absence of antigen-specific T lymphocytes.