Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue-Regulated Intestinal Barrier in HIV Infection

The integrity of the intestinal barrier is critical for gut mucosal immunity. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), one of the most important immune populations, can not only participate in the systemic immune response, but also establish a defense line for the protection of the intestinal barrier. However, these cells become infected and become a major reservoir during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Their dysfunction results in serials of pathological changes including the perturbation of the intestinal barrier. Hereby, we will discuss the recent development regarding GALT related mucosal immunity and the regulation of the intestinal barrier by GALT in cases of HIV infection.