Probably, but the clinical significance of this effect is uncertain. H2 blockers such as cimetidine have been shown to interfere with HIV replication. The mechanism of this action is unknown, but it may be related to an augmentation of the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells important for cellular immunity. Histamine, via stimulation of H2 receptors on peripheral monocytes, may interfere with an effective immunologic response to some infections.
Further investigation is necessary before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Howard Libman, M.D. .