Abstract
HIV infection results in gastrointestinal (GI) tract damage, microbial translocation, and immune activation, which are not completely ameliorated with suppression of viremia by antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Furthermore, increased morbidity and mortality of ARV-treated HIV-infected individuals is associated with these dysfunctions. Thus, to enhance GI tract physiology, we treated SIV-infected pigtail macaques with ARVs, probiotics, and prebiotics or with ARVs alone. This synbiotic treatment resulted in increased frequency and functionality of GI tract APCs, enhanced reconstitution and functionality of CD4+ T cells, and reduced fibrosis of lymphoid follicles in the colon. Thus, ARV synbiotic supplementation in HIV-infected individuals may improve GI tract immunity and thereby mitigate inflammatory sequelae, ultimately improving prognosis.
Authors
Nichole R. Klatt, Lauren A. Canary, Xiaoyong Sun, Carol L. Vinton, Nicholas T. Funderburg, David R. Morcock, Mariam Quiñones, Clayton B. Deming, Molly Perkins, Daria J. Hazuda, Michael D. Miller, Michael M. Lederman, Julie A. Segre, Jeffrey D. Lifson, Elias K. Haddad, Jacob D. Estes, Jason M. Brenchley
Figure 3
PP treatment reduces fibrosis and is associated with increased CD4+ T cells.
Copyright © 2025 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)