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Background Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection disturbs the balance of CD4+ T cells and monocytes in the immune system. In the early stage of infection, the virus stimulates the activation and proliferation of immune cells, induces the release of cytokines, destroys CD4+ T cells, and accelerates HIV-1 replication and AIDS progression. It is essential to explore cytokine changes after HIV-1 infection and further understand the underlying mechanism of HIV infection. Methods In this study, we enrolled 38 HIV-infected subjects and 30 healthy subjects. We measured and compared CD4+ T cell counts and the serum cytokine levels in different groups. Results Our results showed significantly higher serum levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in HIV-infected patients. Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were observed in the < 200/mL CD4+ T cell count group, and higher levels of IL-2 were observed in the CCR5-tropic HIV strain group. Conclusion In conclusion, we found that HIV infection-induced activation of the immune system and cytokines could predict the severity of HIV disease and regulate HIV infection and replication differently depending on the type of virus strain.

Objective Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection disturbs the balance of CD4+ T cells and monocytes in the immune system. In the early stage of infection, the virus stimulates the activation and proliferation of immune cells, induces the release of cytokines, destroys CD4+ T cells, and accelerates HIV-1 replication and AIDS progression. It is essential to explore cytokine changes after HIV-1 infection and further understand the underlying mechanism of HIV infection. Materials and methods In this study, we enrolled 38 HIV-infected subjects and 30 healthy subjects. We measured and compared CD4+ T cell counts, the tropism of HIV and the serum cytokine levels in different groups. Results Our results showed significantly higher serum levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in HIV-infected patients. Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were observed in the < 200/mL CD4+ T cell count group, and higher levels of IL-2 were observed in the CCR5-tropic HIV strain group. Conclusion In conclusion, we found that HIV infection-induced activation of the immune system. IL-6 and IL-17 may predict the severity of HIV disease and regulate HIV infection. The level of IL-2 depended on the type of virus strain.