Microbiota and immune activation in HIV and in Th17-deficient mice

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection persists in the body due to the early establishment of reservoirs that cannot be eliminated with current antiretroviral regimens. HIV infection causes an alteration of intestinal immunity (mainly through the loss of TH17 lymphocytes), a breakdown of the gastrointestinal barrier and induces, on the one hand, modifications of the intestinal microbiota and, on the other, systemic immune activation. The general objective of our project is the analysis of the immune modifications secondary to the damage to the intestinal barrier in a murine model (Batf KO mouse, characterized by the loss of TH17 lymphocytes) and in the HIV-infected human. We will evaluate the modifications of the intestinal microbiota in mice and humans and the changes induced, both in the intestinal microbiome and in the systemic immune response in the murine model by the administration of prebiotics (Fibersol-2) or probiotics (Vivomix®). The modifications observed in the murine model can be the basis of clinical trials aimed at modifying immune activation and viral reservoirs via modification of the intestinal microbiota.