A challenge for the future: aging and HIV infection

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gerontology
• Virology

Background:

• Older adults (≥50 years) represent an emerging demographic for HIV-1 infection.
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases HIV-1 survival, leading to a growing population of older individuals living with HIV.
• HIV-1 infection accelerates immune aging (immunosenescence), impacting T-cell function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the combined impact of aging and HIV-1 infection on immune function and disease progression.
• To highlight the need for novel therapeutics targeting immune stimulation and delayed immunosenescence.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on HIV-1 infection in older adults.
• Analysis of T-cell phenotypes in HIV-1-infected individuals compared to age-matched controls.
• Examination of clinical outcomes in older HIV-1-infected individuals.

Main Results:

• Older HIV-1-infected individuals exhibit faster disease progression and impaired T-cell recovery despite ART.
• HIV-1-infected adults show an aged T-cell phenotype, with increased age-related comorbidities.
• The synergistic effects of aging and HIV-1 infection contribute to poorer clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The convergence of aging and HIV-1 infection exacerbates immune dysfunction and clinical decline.
• Developing therapeutics to enhance immune function and combat immunosenescence is crucial for both aging populations and those with HIV-1.