Immunometabolic reprogramming via GLP-1 receptor agonists in people with HIV: A multidimensional systemic framework.

Authors

Liqin Sun, Stephane Isnard, Haipeng Zhu, Jingyi Chen, Yun He, Hongzhou Lu, Jean-Pierre Routy

Published in

Bioscience trends. Aug 21, 2026. Epub Aug 21, 2026.

Abstract

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV infection into a manageable chronic condition, but pathological weight gain, adipose dysfunction, and persistent inflammation are increasingly prevalent among aging people with HIV (PWH). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual GIP/GLP-1 RAs have emerged as transformative therapies, although PWH were underrepresented in pivotal trials. This review integrates randomized trials, observational cohorts, pharmacogenomic studies, and emerging mechanistic evidence within a framework of GLP-1-mediated immunometabolic reprogramming. HIV-specific trials demonstrate reductions in visceral adiposity, body weight, inflammatory biomarkers, and liver fat. Exploratory or preliminary studies suggest possible effects on gut epithelial integrity, immune-cell trafficking, lymphoid pyroptosis, and DNA-methylation aging measures; however, several of these findings remain conference-level, preprint, or post hoc evidence and require prospective validation. We also examine lean-mass loss, weight regain after discontinuation, pharmacogenomic variation, drug access, and research priorities. Overall, GLP-1 RAs are promising components of cardiometabolic care for PWH, but immunologic, gerotherapeutic, and HIV-reservoir applications should currently be considered hypothesis-generating.

PMID:
42633920
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 24 Aug 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.