HIV-infected immune cells age ten times faster, scientists say

Young people infected with HIV often suffer from age-related conditions, like liver disease and certain forms of cancer, sooner than their peers, and researchers said they may have determined why.

A study published in the journal PLoS ONE found that the virus appears to damage the DNA of a vital immune component, the CD4+ T-cell.

Also known as T-helper cells, the CD4+ lymphocyte is a white blood cell that HIV specifically targets. When an HIV-positive individual's CD4+ count dwindles, he or she typically progresses to AIDS.

The study's authors found that in addition to wreaking general havoc within these cells, the virus quickly destroys the cellular caps, called telomeres, at the ends of CD4+ cell DNA. Scientists increasingly believe that the disappearance of these caps and the consequent fraying of DNA is responsible for the aging process.

The team said that in terms of T-helper cell genetic fraying, HIV accomplishes in three years what natural aging would do to a cell over 20 or 30 years.

They concluded that further research should focus on elderly individuals with HIV, who may suffer the most from this effect.

Anyone who suspects that they have HIV may wish to pursue online testing services immediately, before potential complications arise.