Gut microbiome dysbiosis in men who have sex with men increases HIV infection risk through immunity homeostasis alteration

Abstract

ObjectivesRecent studies pointed out that gut microbiome dysbiosis in HIV infection was possibly confounded in men who have sex with men (MSM), but there is a lack of evidence. It also remained unclear how MSM-associated gut microbiome dysbiosis affected human health. This study aimed to compare the differences in gut microbiome changes between HIV and MSM and reveal the potential impacts of MSM-associated gut microbiome dysbiosis on the immune system.MethodsWe searched available studies based on the PubMed database, and all gut microbiome changes associated with HIV infection and MSM were extracted from the enrolled studies. The gutMgene database was used to identify the target genes and metabolites of the gut microbiome. Bioinformatic technology and single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis were utilized to explore the impacts of these gut microbiome changes on human immunity.ResultsThe results showed significant overlaps between the gut microbiome associated with HIV and that of MSM. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis revealed that gut microbiome dysbiosis in MSM had an impact on several pathways related to immunity, including the IL-17 signaling pathway and Th17 cell differentiation. Additionally, target genes of MSM-associated gut microbiome were found to be highly expressed in monocytes and lymphocytes, suggesting their potential regulatory role in immune cells. Furthermore, we found that MSM-associated gut microbiome could produce acetate and butyrate which were reported to increase the level of inflammatory factors.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study highlighted that MSM-associated gut microbiome dysbiosis might increase the risk of HIV acquisition by activating the immune system. Further studies are expected to elucidate the mechanism by which gut microbiome dysbiosis in MSM modulates HIV susceptibility.

Landscape of gut mucosal immune cells showed gap of follicular or memory B cells into plasma cells in immunological non‐responders

“…Gay men, due to their tendency to engage in unprotected receptive anal intercourse, may exhibit a unique composition of human faecal microbiota, as previously reported. 42 Consistent with prior research, 42 our analysis revealed altered abundances of Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Clostridium in the feces of those MSM patients on ART. Since this study lacked an MSM control group without HIV infection, we were unable to ascertain whether the increase in faecal Prevotellaceae abundance observed in the INRs was due to MSM behaviour or a direct effect of HIV infection.…”

“…4 Prevotella is also associated with inflammation, opportunistic infections, and autoimmune diseases. 42 In another study, the abundance of Bacteroides was significantly reduced in both IRs and INRs, and this reduction may potentially be linked to systemic immune activation and chronic inflammation in vivo. 34 Collectively, the decrease in gut IGKC + IgA + plasma cell levels in INRs may further diminish IgA production and delay the restoration of the gut mucosal barrier, thereby promoting host immune overactivation and microbial translocation.…”