Modern ideas about the influence of the gut microbiome on the persistence of HIV infection

Abstract

The article discusses current ideas about the impact of HIV infection on the gut microbiome, microbial translocation, chronic inflammation, and immune activation. The gut microbiome is involved in systemic inflammation and immune activation, which contributes to the persistence of HIV infection. Although the exact pathogenesis of HIV infection and changes in the intestinal microbiome in the form of a decrease in bacterial diversity is still unclear, normalization of the intestinal microbiome in HIV infection can reduce inflammation, and thereby lead to a decrease in the possible reservoir for HIV infection. The authors of the article presented modern hypotheses about the interaction of the intestinal microbiome with systemic inflammation, as well as the relationship between the intestinal microbiome and the persistence of HIV infection. The inability of modern treatment methods to affect the hidden reservoir and deplete it is the main obstacle to the cure of HIV infection. The ongoing treatment efforts aimed at reducing the reservoirs of HIV infection in order to achieve stable remission and the possibility of a cure for HIV infection are discussed.