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Microbial translocation: translating simian immunodeficiency virus to HIV
Alexandra M Ortiz1, Jason M Brenchley
1Laboratory of Parasitology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
The article describes recent advances in understanding the causes and consequences of microbial translocation in HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus infections.
Recent Findings:
Persistent microbial translocation contributes to aberrant immune activation in immunodeficiency lentiviral infections and thereby, pathogenesis and mortality. Efforts to delineate the circumstances surrounding translocation have benefited from use of simian immunodeficiency virus-infected nonhuman primates and highlight the overwhelming immunologic diversion caused by translocating microbes. The use of therapeutics aimed at reducing microbial translocation show promise and will benefit from continued research into the mechanisms that promote systemic microbial dissemination in treated and untreated infections.
Summary:
Insights into the source and identity of translocating microbes in lentiviral infections continue to enhance the development of adjunct therapeutics.
Insights
Microbial translocation drives immune activation and disease in HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infections. Research highlights therapeutic potential for reducing microbial spread and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Microbial translocation, the passage of microbes or microbial products from the gut to systemic circulation, is a key factor in lentiviral infections.
- Persistent microbial translocation contributes to chronic immune activation, a hallmark of HIV and SIV pathogenesis.
- Understanding the mechanisms of microbial translocation is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding the causes and consequences of microbial translocation in HIV and SIV infections.
- To highlight the role of microbial translocation in driving aberrant immune activation and disease progression.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting microbial translocation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on microbial translocation in lentiviral infections.
- Utilizing findings from studies involving simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected nonhuman primates.
- Analysis of data on the immunological impact of translocating microbes.
Main Results:
- Persistent microbial translocation exacerbates immune activation, contributing to pathogenesis and mortality in HIV/SIV.
- Studies in SIV-infected nonhuman primates demonstrate the significant immunologic burden imposed by translocating microbes.
- Therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing microbial translocation show promise.
Conclusions:
- Insights into the source and identity of translocating microbes are advancing the development of adjunct therapeutics.
- Targeting microbial translocation represents a promising strategy to improve outcomes for individuals with HIV and SIV.
- Continued research is essential to fully elucidate mechanisms promoting microbial dissemination and to optimize therapeutic interventions.