HIV-1 Proteins Tat and gp120 Target the Developing Dopaminergic System.

HIV-1 Proteins Tat and gp120 Target the Developing Dopaminergic System. Curr HIV Res. 2015 Jan 20; Authors: Fitting S, Booze RM, Mactutus CF Abstract The current global estimate of children (< 15 years of age) living with HIV and AIDS is 3.2 million, with the 240,000 newly infected children in the past year, i.e., another child infected approximately every two minutes [1]. The primary mode of HIV infection is through mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), occurring either in utero, intrapartum, or during breastfeeding. The effects of HIV-1 on the brain are thought to be mediated, in part, through the viral proteins Tat and gp120. This review focuses on the targets of HIV-1 proteins in the developing DAergic system, which appears to be specifically susceptible in HIV-1 infected children. Collectively, the data suggest that the DA system is a clinically relevant target in chronic HIV-1 infection, is one of the major targets in pediatric HIV-1 CNS infection, and may be specifically susceptible during development. The present review focuses on the development of the DAergic systems, follows the possible targets of the HIV-1 proteins in the developing DA systems, and discusses potential therapeutic approaches. The striking age-related changes in disease progression coupled with an increased understanding of normal central nervous system development may shed new light on the neurological and neurocognitive impairments consequent to HIV-1 ...
Source: Current HIV Research - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Curr HIV Res Source Type: research