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The findings indicate that gut bacteria present earlier in the course of HIV infection may actively support immune activity.
By Shula Rosen
Scientists at Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science reported findings Monday that suggest certain gut bacteria may help sustain immune defenses in people living with HIV.
This discovery potentially points to new strategies for reducing infection risk and improving daily functioning.
The research, published in Nature Microbiology, focused on the interaction between HIV, the immune system, and microorganisms that inhabit the gut.
HIV targets CD4 T cells, a critical component of immune protection, weakening the body’s ability to respond to infections.
Researchers noted that a significant portion of this immune damage occurs in the gut, which can continue to harbor the virus even when antiviral drugs suppress HIV in the bloodstream.
To examine the role of gut microbes, the research team analyzed samples from people living with HIV in Israel and Ethiopia and compared them with samples from healthy individuals.
The analysis showed that HIV-related immune disruption was linked to measurable shifts in the composition of gut bacteria.
The scientists then transferred gut microbes from the human participants into mice to evaluate their effect on immune function.
Mice that received bacteria from people in the early stages of HIV infection showed increased levels of CD4 T cells and improved resistance to infections, the study found.
By contrast, mice given gut microbes from individuals with advanced HIV did not show the same immune response.
The findings indicate that gut bacteria present earlier in the course of HIV infection may actively support immune activity, even as the virus undermines key immune cells.
Researchers said the results highlight the importance of the gut microbiome in shaping immune responses in people living with HIV.
According to the study’s authors, the work raises the possibility of strengthening immune defenses by altering the gut microbiome through dietary changes, probiotics, or other targeted interventions.
Such approaches could be especially valuable in settings where access to advanced antiviral treatments remains limited.
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