Figure 1. The capacity to control immune homeostasis at mucosal sites, where the main battle against HIV takes place, is reflected by a normal “non-inflammatory” BLyS/BAFF expression status.

This is likely modulated through efficient epithelial cell:DC cross talk, subsequently allowing for the generation of highly protective HIV-specific B and T cell responses. In contrast, establishment of an imbalance at the level of mucosal immune homeostasis will allow the excess “inflammatory” BLyS/BAFF expression status to lead to dysregulated B and T cell responses, impairing the generation of highly protective HIV-specific immunity. (Graphic art: Christian Charbonneau.)