Slower Progression of HIV-1 Infection in Persons with GB Virus C Co-Infection Correlates with an Intact T-Helper 1 Cytokine Profile

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Abstract
Progression to AIDS is slower in persons infected with both HIV-1 and GB virus C (GBV-C), also known as hepatitis G virus. To compare clinical, virologic, and immunologic variables in HIV-1seropositive patients with and without GBV-C co-infection. Subanalysis of a prospective cohort study. Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. 80 asymptomatic HIV-1seropositive patients. GBV-C RNA level; plasma HIV-1 viral load; CD4+ cell counts; and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12. At the start of the study, plasma GBV-C RNA was detected in 17 patients (21%). During follow-up, IL-2 and IL-12 levels decreased significantly (P = 0.005 and P = 0.01, respectively) and IL-4 and IL-10 levels increased significantly (P = 0.01 and P = 0.004, respectively) in the GBV-Cnegative group but did not change substantially in the GBV-Cpositive group. Each measured variable differed significantly between GBV-Cpositive and GBV-Cnegative groups during follow-up (P < 0.001 for IL-12, IL-4, and IL-10; P = 0.002 for IL-2). GB virus C may immunologically interfere with progression of HIV-1 infection to AIDS by maintaining an intact T-helper 1 cytokine profile.