Broccoli Compound May Restore Gut Immunity in HIV Patients on ART

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has turned HIV from a deadly disease into a long-term condition. Yet even with effective viral control, chronic inflammation and gut damage persist in many patients. New research now suggests that a simple dietary change could help restore immune function in the gut. A study led by Namita Rout examined the effects of ART on gut immunity in SIV-infected primates. While the therapy suppressed the virus, key immune pathways—specifically the AHR and RORγt signalling routes—remained impaired. This disruption affected gamma delta (γδ) T cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), weakening the gut’s ability to repair its protective barrier.

The team tested whether indoles, natural compounds found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, could reverse these effects. When primates received a broccoli-based supplement rich in indole, their γδ T cell numbers recovered, and ILC function normalised. The results suggest that even after long-term ART, gut immune pathways stay responsive to environmental signals. Chronic inflammation is a known issue in people living with HIV, despite viral suppression. The study indicates that targeted nutritional strategies, such as indole-rich diets, might help recalibrate mucosal immunity and reduce systemic inflammation.

The findings offer a potential way to address lingering gut damage in ART-treated HIV patients. By restoring immune cell function, indole compounds could improve intestinal barrier integrity and lower inflammation. Further research may explore whether similar dietary interventions could benefit human patients.