Back to Search Start Over

Neurotoxicity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1: Viral Proteins and Axonal Transport

Authors :
Italo Mocchetti
Alessia Bachis
Valeriya Avdoshina
Source :
Neurotoxicity Research. 21:79-89
Publication Year :
2011
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2011.

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) infection of the central nervous system may cause a neurological syndrome termed HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) which includes minor neurocognitive disorders or a more severe form of motor and cognitive impairments. Although treatment with highly active antiretroviral agents decreases the load of HIV in the brain, the prevalence of mild forms of HAND is actually increased due to longer life. Therefore, adjunctive and combined therapies must be developed to prevent and perhaps reverse the neurologic deficits observed in individuals with HAND. Key to developing effective therapies is a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the virus causes this disorder. A number of HIV proteins has been shown to be released from HIV-infected cells. Moreover, these proteins have been shown to possess neurotoxic properties. This review describes new evidence of a direct interaction of the HIV protein gp120 with neurons, which might play a role in the etiopathology of HAND.

Details

ISSN :
14763524 and 10298428
Volume :
21
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Neurotoxicity Research
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....0dae4301db8b81ff71fe4565b9f86eb5
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-011-9279-2