VCAM1 and HIV infectious disease: IFN-γ can also activate vascular smooth muscle cells and promote the recruitment of immune cells by inducing the expression of adhesion molecules, such as VCAM-1, in endothelial cells.26 IL-10 is one of the most important anti-inflammatory cytokines.27 As an anti-inflammatory cytokine, its high levels could represent a counteraction to chronic inflammatory immune activation associated with HIV infection.