Impact of maternal HIV exposure, feeding status, and microbiome on infant cellular immunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Sub-Saharan Africa sees over one-third of infants exposed to maternal HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• Intrauterine HIV exposure is linked to higher infant morbidity and mortality rates.
• Altered infant immunity due to the maternal environment is a key factor in increased infections among HIV-exposed uninfected infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of intrauterine HIV exposure on infant immune development.
• To synthesize findings on feeding practices and microbiota in HIV-exposed uninfected infants.
• To understand immune ontogeny in the first year of life for these infants.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on intrauterine HIV exposure.
• Analysis of research on infant feeding practices.
• Synthesis of data on microbiota and immune ontogeny.

Main Results:

• Intrauterine HIV exposure significantly impacts infant immune system development.
• Feeding practices and gut microbiota play crucial roles in immune ontogeny.
• HIV-exposed uninfected infants exhibit altered immune responses.

Conclusions:

• The maternal environment during gestation and perinatal periods is a major contributor to altered infant immunity.
• Understanding these factors is critical for improving infant health outcomes in high-prevalence settings.
• Further research is needed to mitigate the long-term effects of intrauterine HIV exposure.