Description
Interleukin 16 (lymphocyte chemoattractant factor), also known as IL16, is a pleiotropic cytokine that functions as a chemoattractant, a modulator of T cell activation, and an inhibitor of HIV replication. The signaling process of this cytokine is mediated by CD4. IL-16 is released by a variety of cells (including lymphocytes and some epithelial cells) that has been characterized as a chemoattractant for certain immune cells expressing the cell surface molecule CD4. IL-16 has a critical role in protecting antigen presenting cells (APC) against HIV-1 infection and is used in the treatment of HIV disease.1