Abstract
This study assessed cellular and soluble markers of immune activation in HIV-1 seronegative MSM. MSM immune profiles were characterized by an increased expression of CD57 on T cells and endotoxemia. Endotoxin presence was linked to recent high-risk exposure and associated with elevated cytokine levels and decreased CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratios. Taken together, these data show elevated levels of inflammation linked to periods of endotoxemia resulting in a significantly different immune phenotype in a subset of MSM at a high risk of HIV-1 acquisition.