Infection with feline immunodeficiency virus alters intestinal epithelial transport and mucosal immune responses to probiotics

• Published in: Veterinary immunology and immunopathology Vol. 153; no. 1-2; pp. 146 - 152
• Main Authors: Stoeker, Laura L., Overman, Elizabeth L., Nordone, Shila K., Moeser, Adam J., Simões, Rita D., Dean, Gregg A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15.05.2013
• Subjects: Animals; Biological Transport; Cats; Electric Impedance; Feline Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - immunology; Feline Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - metabolism; FIV; HIV; Immunity, Mucosal - drug effects; Intestinal Mucosa - metabolism; Lactobacillus; Mucosal immune system; Probiotics - pharmacology; Mucosal immune system; FIV; HIV; Lactobacillus
• ISSN: 0165-2427; 1873-2534
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2013.01.017

HIV infection is associated with intestinal mucosal dysfunction and probiotics offer the therapeutic potential to enhance the mucosal barrier in HIV+ patients. To evaluate the response of immunocompromised hosts to probiotics, we orally administered Lactobacillus acidophilus to cats with chronic feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection. FIV infection significantly affected transcellular, but not paracellular, transport of small molecules across the intestinal epithelium. Additionally, probiotic treatment of FIV+ cats resulted in changes in cytokine release and mucosal leukocyte percentages that were not paralleled in FIV- cats. These results suggest a novel role for FIV in upregulating transcellular transport across the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier and demonstrate the potential therapeutic use of probiotic bacteria to restore intestinal homeostasis.