Identifying the molecular mechanisms triggered by vaginal and gut microbiota that enhance HIV-1 susceptibility

Langerhans cells (LCs) residing in the epithelial layer of the vaginal mucosa are the first immune cells to encounter HIV-1 upon heterosexual transmission.

Preliminary data suggest that Prevotella abrogates or evades the antiviral function of LCs, leading to a high uptake of HIV-1 and survival of the virus. This study will uncover the molecular mechanisms involved in the striking effect of Prevotella on HIV-1 susceptibility, and identify whether other microbiota also affect the function of DC subsets and epithelial cells.