Type I/II Interferon in HIV-1-Infected Patients: Expression in Gut Mucosa and in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Its Modification upon Probiotic Supplementation

Abstract

Expression of type I and II interferon (IFN) was evaluated in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HIV-1-positive patients on long-term, suppressive, antiretroviral therapy before and after probiotic supplementation. IFN<i>α</i> subtypes and IFN<i>β</i> were expressed at higher levels in GALT compared to PBMC, whereas an opposite trend of expression was recorded for IFN<i>γ</i>. An increase of IFN<i>α</i>6, IFN<i>α</i>10, IFN<i>α</i>14, IFN<i>α</i>17, and IFN<i>α</i>21 and a decrease of IFN<i>γ</i> were observed in both anatomical sites after probiotic supplementation.