Background and purpose: HILA-G is an immunomodulatory molecule and alteration of its expression is prevalent during viral infections. HLA-G expression in HIV-positive patients has been inconsistent between different studies and some suggest that Interleukin-10 (IL-10) influences the expression of HLA-G. The aim of this research was to investigate the expression of IL-10 in HIV-positive patients and its relation with TCD4+ lymphocytes.

Materials and methods: In a case-control study, 20 HIV-positive patients, attending the Behavioral Consultation Center affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, were selected and 20 healthy volunteers were also enrolled. Expression of HLA-G was determined by Real-Time PCR. TCD4⁺ count and IL-10 concentration were evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively.

Results: HLA-G gene expression was significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). IL-10 concentration increased in patients and a revers relation was seen between TCD4⁺ cell count and IL-10 (r= -0.4, P= 0.1).

Conclusion: The results showed that the expression of HLA-G is deregulated during HIV infection and IL-10 could be considered as a biomarker of disease progression.