Age and viral replication, not vertical HIV acquisition, drive inflammation and T-cell dysfunction in heavily treatment experienced: data from the Prestigio Registry

Key Points

• This research aims to understand the factors contributing to inflammation and T-cell dysfunction in heavily treatment-experienced individuals infected with HIV.
• Analyzed inflammation and T-cell activation in individuals with vertical and horizontal HIV transmission.
• Compared inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 across different groups.
• Assessed the relationship between age, viral replication, and immune function.
• Interleukin-6 levels were lower in individuals with vertical transmission and positively correlated with age.
• T-cell dysfunction was more prevalent in heavier treatment-experienced individuals compared to those without HIV.
• Viral replication was identified as a major driver of immune dysregulation, overshadowing the transmission mode.