The leukotrienes and other lipoxygenase-derived metabolites of the arachidonic acid were proved to possess various biological activities and to participate in a number of pathological states and diseases, especially those associated with inflammatory processes and with altered immune response. The present paper reviews the role of these eicosanoids in the regulation of natural-killer cell activity and in production and action of some cytokines including interferons. Furthermore, the participation of the arachidonic acid lipoxygenase metabolism in the virus-host interaction and the relation of these findings to some experimental and human diseases is discussed.

Research Institute of the Higher Nervous Activity of the Palacký University Department of Neurobiochemistry Olomouc Czechoslovakia