Supernatants of HIV-infected immune cells affect the barrier function of human HT-29/B6 intestinal epithelial cells

Abstract

Cell-cell interaction of HIV-infected macrophages with PBMC leads to a release of cytokines sufficient to alter intestinal epithelial barrier function. The main effect was mediated by TNFalpha inducing a leak-flux which may contribute to the diarrhoea by HIV per se (HIV-enteropathy).