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

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 alpha subtypes and IFN beta were expressed at higher levels in GALT compared to PBMC, whereas an opposite trend of expression was recorded for IFN gamma. An increase of IFN alpha 6, IFN alpha 10, IFN alpha 14, IFN alpha 17, and IFN alpha 21 and a decrease of IFN gamma were observed in both anatomical sites after probiotic supplementation.