NIH Reporter #1R01DK149864-01

Restoring α1,2-Fucose to Rebuild the Microbiota and Strengthen the Intestinal Barrier in HIV

The award supports research to restore α1,2-fucose in the intestines of people living with HIV to rebuild the microbiota, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and reduce inflammation, addressing gut dysfunction despite antiretroviral therapy.

Description

This project aims to define a novel mechanism of intestinal barrier dysfunction in people living with HIV (PLWH) and test α1,2-fucose repletion as a strategy to reduce gut permeability and inflammation. The research focuses on the depletion of the intrinsic prebiotic glycan α1,2-fucose in the intestines of PLWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART), which correlates with impaired barrier integrity, higher inflammation, and premature aging. The project will investigate the upstream drivers of α1,2-fucose loss, its impact on intestinal integrity, and the potential benefits of in vivo administration of α1,2-fucose to improve gut barrier integrity.

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