Immune activation, immunosenescence, and aging-related conditions in chronic infections

HIV infection is a chronic condition currently characterized by effective suppression of circulating virus under efficient antiretroviral therapy with the persistence of a chronic state of immune activation and inflammation. In parallel, chronic viral infections such as CMV and viral hepatitis may also be associated with persistent immune dysregulation, immune senescence, and inflammatory alterations. A better understanding of the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying persistent immune activation may help clarify how chronic inflammation, altered immune cell function, microbial translocation, and viral coinfections contribute to aging-associated immune dysfunction. Thus, chronic viral coinfections (including CMV, hepatitis, and HIV), microbial translocation, and immunosenescence could figure among the different causes of immune activation and may represent key mechanistic pathways and potential targets for immunomodulatory interventions.In this context, this Research Topic aims to synthesize and update current knowledge regarding the immunologic mechanisms linking chronic viral infections to persistent inflammation, immune activation, and immunosenescence. We particularly welcome contributions addressing:- Biomarkers of immune activation, inflammation, and immunosenescence in the context of HIV infection and other chronic viral infections such as CMV and hepatitis- Therapeutic or immunomodulatory strategies to prevent or treat immune activation/inflammation and their impact on immunologic outcomes- Identification of pathophysiological pathways linking immune activation profiles to aging-related immune dysfunction and related clinical phenotypes- Mechanistic studies addressing the role of chronic inflammation, viral coinfection, microbial translocation, and host factors in persistent immune dysregulation- Differential impact of therapeutic strategies on immune activation and inflammatory pathways in chronic viral infections- Associations of microbiota with chronic immune activation, inflammation, and immunosenescence, and the impact of microbiota-modulating strategies on these immunologic outcomesThis Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Brief Research Reports, Clinical Trials, and Methods articles focused on the following:• Women and menopause in the context of HIV-infection: hormonal, inflammatory, and immune-aging biomarkers, with emphasis on immunologic mechanisms• Epigenetic modifications in the context of HIV-infection and associations with microbiota profiles and different antiretroviral regimens in the context of polypharmacy, with emphasis on persistent immune activation and immunosenescence• Impact of anti-inflammatory strategies in virologically suppressed HIV-infected individuals on inflammation, immune activation, and inflammatory pathways• Effect of statins or metabolically active drugs on immune activation, inflammation, and related immunologic outcomes in people living with HIV Topic editors: Christina K. Psomas, Giulia Carla Marchetti Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79493/immune-activation-immunosenescence-and-aging-related-conditions-in-chronic-infections