Recovery of CD4 counts following initiation of ritonavir-based antiretroviral therapy is associated with declines in circulating IL-7 levels in HIV-infected pediatric patients.

Plots of serum IL-7 level and absolute CD4 count versus time on study is shown for 3 patients. Patients 1 and 2 display an immunologic response to HAART with increases in CD4 count and concomitant declines in IL-7. Patient 3 had a poor response to therapy with persistently low CD4 counts and high IL-7 levels. Patient ages at enrollment are indicated. ● and solid line indicate IL-7; ■ and broken line, CD4.