HIV Infection, Inflammation, Immunosenescence, and Aging

HIV Infection, Inflammation, Immunosenescence, and Aging

2011 | Steven G. Deeks
HIV infection, despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), is associated with increased risk of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and kidney disease. These risks are linked to persistent immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation, which are hallmarks of immunosenescence. ART does not fully restore health, as HIV-infected individuals still experience accelerated aging, characterized by immune system changes similar to those seen in the elderly. These changes include reduced T cell function, increased inflammation, and impaired immune responses. HIV-associated immunosenescence contributes to premature aging and increased vulnerability to infections and diseases. Factors such as persistent viral replication, immune activation, and antiretroviral toxicity play a role in these changes. The immune system's ability to respond to vaccines and infections is also compromised in HIV-infected individuals. Research suggests that HIV infection may lead to a higher risk of certain cancers, including those associated with chronic infections. Additionally, HIV-infected individuals exhibit signs of frailty, including reduced muscle mass, bone density, and functional capacity. These findings highlight the need for interventions to address immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation in HIV-infected individuals to improve their health outcomes and achieve a normal lifespan. Understanding the biological mechanisms of aging and how HIV affects them is crucial for developing effective therapies. Current research explores potential treatments, including lifestyle modifications, calorie restriction, and drugs that target inflammation and immune function. These approaches may help mitigate the effects of HIV on the immune system and reduce the risk of age-related diseases in HIV-infected individuals.HIV infection, despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), is associated with increased risk of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and kidney disease. These risks are linked to persistent immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation, which are hallmarks of immunosenescence. ART does not fully restore health, as HIV-infected individuals still experience accelerated aging, characterized by immune system changes similar to those seen in the elderly. These changes include reduced T cell function, increased inflammation, and impaired immune responses. HIV-associated immunosenescence contributes to premature aging and increased vulnerability to infections and diseases. Factors such as persistent viral replication, immune activation, and antiretroviral toxicity play a role in these changes. The immune system's ability to respond to vaccines and infections is also compromised in HIV-infected individuals. Research suggests that HIV infection may lead to a higher risk of certain cancers, including those associated with chronic infections. Additionally, HIV-infected individuals exhibit signs of frailty, including reduced muscle mass, bone density, and functional capacity. These findings highlight the need for interventions to address immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation in HIV-infected individuals to improve their health outcomes and achieve a normal lifespan. Understanding the biological mechanisms of aging and how HIV affects them is crucial for developing effective therapies. Current research explores potential treatments, including lifestyle modifications, calorie restriction, and drugs that target inflammation and immune function. These approaches may help mitigate the effects of HIV on the immune system and reduce the risk of age-related diseases in HIV-infected individuals.
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[slides] HIV infection%2C inflammation%2C immunosenescence%2C and aging. | StudySpace