Interplay between oral immunity in HIV and the microbiome

Area of Science:

• Basic Science
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Advances in microbiome research, particularly in the oral cavity, have occurred since 2014.
• The human oral microbiome plays a crucial role in health and disease, especially in conditions like HIV/AIDS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current knowledge of the oral microbiome in health versus HIV infection.
• To investigate the influence of oral immune factors and clinical variables on the oral microbiome.
• To assess the impact of antiretroviral therapy on oral microbiome recovery.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of current research on the oral microbiome.
• Evaluation of parameters for assessing the oral microbiome.
• Identification of knowledge gaps and future research directions.

Main Results:

• The workshop summarized the state of knowledge regarding the oral microbiome in HIV/AIDS.
• Key questions regarding microbiome alterations, immune factors, and treatment effects were addressed.
• Appropriate parameters for evaluating the oral microbiome and clinical relevance of shifts were discussed.

Conclusions:

• Further research is required to fully understand the dynamics of the oral microbiome in HIV/AIDS.
• The impact of antiretroviral therapy on oral microbiome recovery needs continued investigation.
• Standardized methods for oral microbiome evaluation are essential for clinical relevance.