Effects of HIV gp120 on Neuroinflammation in Immunodeficient vs. Immunocompetent States

In this study, we examined the effects of gp120 on neuroinflammation in immunodeficient vs. immunocompetent states by examining neuroinflammatory markers in gp120tg mice wi th or without systemic immunodeficiency caused by murine retroviral administration (LP-BM5 murine AIDS). Changes in inflammatory cytokine/chemokine mRNA expression was complex and dependent upon expression of gp120 protein, immunodeficiency status, brain region (hippocampus, frontal lobe, or striatu m), and age. Gp120 expression reduced hippocampal synaptophysin expression but did not affect animals’ learning/memory on the spontaneous T-maze test in our experimental conditions. Our results emphasize the critical role of the neuroinflammatory micro-environment and the peripheral immune system context in which gp120 acts. Multiple factors, particularly system-level differences in the immune response of different brain regions, need to be considered when developing treatment for HAND.Graphical Abstract
Source: Journal of NeuroImmune Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research