Interleukin-16

Interleukin 16 (IL‐16) was initially described in 1982 as the first T cell chemoattractant. Through interaction with CD4, IL‐16 has now been characterized as a chemoattractant for a variety of CD4+ immune cells. Recent in vivo studies have more fully characterized IL‐16 as an immunom odulatory cytokine that contributes to the regulatory process of CD4+ cell recruitment and activation at sites of inflammation in association with asthma and several autoimmune diseases. Since its cloning in 1994, IL‐16 structure and function have been studied extensively. This review addresses the current data regarding IL‐16 protein and gene structure; the expanding list of cells capable of generating IL‐16; the direct interaction of IL‐16 with its receptor, CD4; and the functional bioactivities of IL‐16 as they relate to inflammation and HIV‐1 infection. In addition, potential therapeutic modalities for IL‐16 relating to inflammation and immune reconstitution in HIV‐1 infection are also discussed. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 757–766; 2000.