Work

Developing Neuroprotective Strategies for Treatment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Dysfunction

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Important advances have been made in recent years in identifying the molecular mechanisms of HIV neuropathogenesis. Defining the pathways leading to HIV dementia has created an opportunity to therapeutically target many steps in the pathogenic process. HIV itself rarely infects neurons, but significant neuronal damage is caused both by viral proteins and by inflammatory mediators produced by the host in response to infection. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) does not target these mediators of neuronal damage, and the prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive dysfunction has actually been rising in the post-HAART era. This review will briefly summarize our current understanding of the mechanisms of HIV-induced neurological disease, and emphasize translation of this basic research into potential clinical applications.

Source: Future HIV Therapy

DOI: 10.2217/17469600.2.3.271

Authors: Jeffrey A Rumbaugh, Joseph Steiner, Ned Sacktor, Avindra Nath

Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Language: English

Topic: HIV Research and Treatment

Subfield: Virology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke