Ageing with HIV-1: immunological challenges for effective vaccination

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Gerontology

Background:

• People living with HIV-1 (PLWH) have increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, making vaccination crucial.
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved longevity in PLWH, but introduces age-related health challenges.
• Chronic HIV-1 infection and aging exacerbate immune deficiencies, impacting vaccine efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review immune dysregulations in older, ART-treated PLWH.
• To identify cellular mechanisms underlying reduced vaccine responses in this population.
• To discuss advancements in vaccination strategies for older PLWH.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on HIV-1, aging, and immune responses.
• Analysis of cellular mechanisms contributing to vaccine unresponsiveness.
• Synthesis of current and potential future vaccination approaches.

Main Results:

• Chronic HIV-1 infection and aging synergistically impair immune function.
• Specific cellular dysregulations explain lower vaccine immunogenicity in older PLWH.
• Existing vaccination strategies may be suboptimal for this demographic.

Conclusions:

• Older treated PLWH exhibit complex immune alterations affecting vaccine efficacy.
• Understanding cellular mechanisms is key to improving vaccine responses.
• Novel vaccination strategies are needed to enhance protection in aging PLWH.