Cytoplasmic HIV-RNA in monocytes determines microglial activation and neuronal cell death in HIV-associated neurodegeneration.

In conclusion, cytosolic viral RNA in monocytes is mandatory for subsequent microglial activation and neurotoxicity; activated astrocytes may augment neuroinflammation. In addition, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration occur even in preclinical HIV(+) patients and are associated with cytokines regulated in vitro. Our data may aid in the development of biomarkers and glia-directed therapeutic approaches of HAND.
PMID: 25150097 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Experimental Neurology - August 19, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Faissner S, Ambrosius B, Schanzmann I, Grewe B, Potthoff A, Münch J, Sure U, Gramberg T, Wittmann S, Brockmeyer N, Uberla K, Gold R, Grunwald T, Chan A Tags: Exp Neurol Source Type: research