HIV-associated penile anaerobes disrupt epithelial barrier integrity.

ABSTRACT: Specific anaerobic taxa within the penile microbiome-the Bacteria Associated with Seroconversion, Inflammation and Immune Cells (BASIC) species-enhance HIV-1 susceptibility, in part by recruiting susceptible cells to the inner foreskin. However, their effect on epithelial barrier integrity has not been described. Using foreskin tissues and penile swabs from 116 males undergoing voluntary medical male circumcision, we assessed the relationship between BASIC species and foreskin epithelial thickness, junction protein expression, and cellular proliferation. The absolute abundance of BASIC species was associated with reduced tissue expression of the epithelial junction proteins claudin-1 and E-cadherin, and with elevated soluble E-cadherin in penile secretions, suggesting proteolytic cleavage.

SUBMITTER: Buchanan LB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12040277 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature