摘要:SummaryThe difficulty to unambiguously identify the various subsets of mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) of the intestinallamina propriahas hindered our understanding of the initial events occurring after mucosal exposure to HIV-1.Here, we compared the composition and function of MNP subsets at steady-state and followingex vivoandin vivoviral exposure in human and macaque colorectal tissues.Combined evaluation of CD11c, CD64, CD103, and CX3CR1 expression allowed to differentiatelamina propriaMNPs subsets common to both species. Among them, CD11c+CX3CR1+cells expressing CCR5 migrated inside the epithelium followingex vivoandin vivoexposure of colonic tissue to HIV-1 or SIV. In addition, the predominant population of CX3CR1highmacrophages present at steady-state partially shifted to CX3CR1lowmacrophages as early as three days followingin vivoSIV rectal challenge of macaques.Our analysis identifies CX3CR1+MNPs as novel players in the early events of HIV-1 and SIV colorectal transmission.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•Human and macaque intestinal MNPs show similar phenotype, localization, and function•CX3CR1+MNPs migrate inside the intestinal epithelium to sample HIV/SIV•SIV infection alters the balance between CX3CR1highand CX3CR1lowMφs•CX3CR1+Mφs contribute to the breakdown of the intestinal barrier in HIV/SIV infectionPhysiology; Molecular biology; Immunology.