Size of HIV-1 reservoir is associated with telomere shortening and immunosenescence in early-treated European children with perinatally acquired HIV-1.

Later ART initiation is associated with higher HIV-1 reservoir size, which correlates with increased telomere shortening and senescence of CD4 cells. Timing of ART initiation in infancy has long-term consequences on the immune and biological ageing profile of children with perinatally acquired HIV-1.