HIV and aging: role of the microbiome

The purpose of this article is to review age-associated alterations in microbiota composition, diversity and functional features in context of immune senescence, chronic inflammation and comorbidities associated with HIV infection. The overall goal is to assess whether modulating the microbiome will likely improve resilience of the immune system and augment return to health.

Alteration in the gut microbiota composition diversity and function occur in HIV and aging. Importantly, butyrate producing bacteria are reduced in both HIV and aging individuals. There is increasing relevance of studying metabolomics in the context of HIV-associated non-AIDS comorbidities and aging. Interventional prospects of probiotics, prebiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation in HIV and aging will provide novel therapeutic approaches.

Increasing evidence suggests a significant link in changes in the composition, diversity and functional aspects of intestinal microbiome with normal aging and HIV infection. Data on association of metabolites produced by the microbiome with HIV-associated non-AIDS comorbidities is mounting. The impact of the microbiome alterations on inflammation, immune and organ senescence and mechanisms by which bio-behavioral pathways will exacerbate these outcomes needs to be further evaluated.