Association between CD4+ T cell counts and gut microbiota and serum cytokines levels in HIV-infected immunological non-responders

Background CD4+ T cell counts in certain human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients called immunological non-responders (INRs) could not return to a normal level even with sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART) because of persistent immune activation, which is associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines production and an altered intestinal microbiome profile. Changes in gut bacterial composition have been linked to low CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-infected individuals. However, the association between CD4+ T cell counts and gut microbiota community composition and cytokines levels in INRs (CD4+ T cell counts Methods To address this issue, we carried out a cross-sectional study of 34 HIV-infected INRs. The patients were divided into CD4 count > 200 cells/μL group and CD4 count 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We also compared CD8+ T cell counts, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and nutritional status between the two groups. Results Compared to INRs with CD4 count > 200 cells/μL, those with CD4 count Ruminococcaceae was less abundant in the CD4 count 200 cells/μL group, and difference in alpha diversity was observed between the two groups. Moreover, CD4+ T cell counts were negatively associated with TNF-α and IL-1α levels and positively associated with the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that lower CD4+ T cell counts in INRs are associated with a reduced abundance of Ruminococcaceae in the gut and elevated serum pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Thus, interventions targeting gut microbiota to increase CD4+ T cell counts are a potential strategy for promoting immune reconstitution in HIV-infected INRs.