Gastrointestinal tract and the mucosal macrophage reservoir in HIV infection

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a primary site for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, replication, and dissemination. After an initial explosive phase of infection, HIV establishes latency. In addition to CD4 T cells, macrophages are readily infected, which can persist for long periods of time. Though macrophages at various systemic sites are infected, those present in the GIT constitute a major cellular reservoir due to the abundance of these cells at mucosal sites. Here, we review some of the important findings regarding what is known about the macrophage reservoir in the gut and explore potential approaches being pursued in the field to reduce this reservoir. The development of strategies that can lead to a functional cure will need to incorporate approaches that can eradicate the macrophage reservoir in the GIT.