TNF and HIV infectious disease: T-helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2 and antiviral interferon (IFN)-gamma are generally decreased during HIV infection, whereas T-helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha are increased (10).