Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) has been investigated for use in patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), especially in the context of certain opportunistic infections and complications. Its primary, well-established use in AIDS is for the management of chronic granulomatous disease and for prevention of certain infections, such as atypical mycobacterial infections. Scientific studies in the late 1980s and 1990s explored IFN-γ as an adjunct immunomodulatory therapy in AIDS patients, hypothesizing that it could boost impaired cellular immunity. Some early clinical trials showed that IFN-γ could enhance immune responses and improve the clearance of pathogens like Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), but the benefits were generally modest and accompanied by significant side effects. Large, well-controlled studies have not demonstrated a clear, consistent clinical benefit for interferon gamma in the broader management of HIV infection.

Current guidelines do not recommend IFN-γ as a standard treatment for AIDS or HIV infection itself, but it is sometimes used in specific cases of refractory or atypical infections. Its use is thus supported by scientific investigation in limited contexts, rather than as a mainstream or broadly validated therapy for AIDS. The overall quality and quantity of evidence for IFN-γ in AIDS is low (rated 2/5), and its use is now rare, with antiretroviral therapy being the cornerstone of HIV treatment.

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