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Updated: May 13, 2026
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Published on: July 22, 2021
Corneal endothelial cells provide evidence of accelerated cellular senescence associated with HIV infection: a
Sophia Pathai1, Stephen D Lawn, Paul G Shiels
1International Centre for Eye Health, Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom. Sophia.pathai@lshtm.ac.uk
Background:
Cellular senescence may be a key factor in HIV-related premature biological aging. We assessed features of the corneal endothelium that are known to be associated with biological aging, and cellular senescence markers in HIV-infected adults.
Methods:
Case-control study of 242 HIV-infected adults and 249 matched controls. Using specular microscopy, the corneal endothelium was assessed for features of aging (low endothelial cell density [ECD], high variation in cell size, and low hexagonality index). Data were analysed by multivariable regression. CDKN2A expression (a cell senescence mediator) was measured in peripheral blood leukocytes and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG; an oxidative DNA damage marker) levels were measured in plasma.
Results:
The median age of both groups was 40 years. Among HIV-infected adults, 88% were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART); their median CD4 count was 468 cells/µL. HIV infection was associated with increased odds of variation in cell size (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.00-2.78, p = 0.04). Among HIV-infected participants, low ECD was independently associated with current CD4 count <200 cells/µL (OR = 2.77; 95%CI: 1.12-6.81, p = 0.03). In participants on ART with undetectable viral load, CDKN2A expression and 8-OHDG levels were higher in those with accelerated aging, as reflected by lower ECD.
Conclusions:
The corneal endothelium shows features consistent with HIV-related accelerated senescence, especially among those with poor immune recovery.
