Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of CD4+ T cells in the gut plays an insidious role in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pathogenesis. Host immune function is closely related to gut microbiota. Changes in the gut microbiota cause a different immune response. Previous studies revealed that HIV-1 infection caused changes in gut microbiota, which induced immune deficiency. HIV-1 infection results in an abnormal composition and function of the gut microbiota, which may disrupt the intestinal epithelial barrier and microbial translocation, leading to long-term immune activation, including inflammation and metabolic disorders. At the same time, an abnormal gut microbiota also hinders the effect of antiviral therapy and affects the immune reconstruction of patients. However, studies on the impact of the gut microbiota on immune reconstitution in patients with HIV/AIDS are still limited. In this review, we focus on changes in the gut microbiota caused by HIV infection, as well as the impact and regulation of the gut microbiota on immune function and immune reconstitution, while we also discuss the potential impact of probiotics/prebiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on immune reconstitution.
Highlights
With the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the mortality and morbidity associated with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have decreased
These observations suggest that altered gut microbiota may be associated with abnormal immune activation and chronic inflammation, contributing to poor immune reconstitution in individuals infected with Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)
Current research has demonstrated that HIV infection causes changes in intestinal microbial diversity and the specific bacterial composition
Summary
With the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the mortality and morbidity associated with HIV/AIDS have decreased. The potential mechanism includes the formation of a virus shelter, resistance to ART, promotion of intestinal mucosal barrier damage, and further entry of intestinal bacteria, and their metabolites into the circulatory system, resulting in long-term immune activation, inflammation, and metabolic disorder (Zilberman-Schapira et al, 2016). These results indicate that the gut microbiota plays an essential role in the reconstitution of immune function in patients with AIDS. We review the role of the gut microbiota in immunomodulation, and we focus on the changes in gut microbiota in people infected with HIV and the effects on immune reconstitution (Figure 1) and explore novel, effective, specific therapeutic strategies to restore gut microbiota composition and function, helping to improve immune reconstitution
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
