Mechanisms of HIV neuropathogenesis: Role of cellular communication systems

Shaily Malik, Eliseo A. Eugenin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: One of the major complications of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is the development of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HANDs) in approximately 50-60% of HIV infected individuals. Despite undetectable viral loads in the periphery owing to anti-retroviral therapy, neuroinflammation and neurocognitive impairment are still prevalent in HIV infected individuals. Several studies indicate that the central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities observed in HIV infected individuals are not a direct effect of viral replication in the CNS, rather these neurological abnormalities are associated with amplification of HIV specific signals by unknown mechanisms. We propose that some of these mechanisms of damage amplification are mediated by gap junction channels, pannexin and connexin hemichannels, tunneling nanotubes and microvesicles/exosomes. Objective: Our laboratory and others have demonstrated that HIV infection targets cell to cell communication by altering all these communication systems resulting in enhanced bystander apoptosis of uninfected cells, inflammation and viral infection. Here we discuss the role of these communication systems in HIV neuropathogenesis. Conclusion: In the current manuscript, we have described the mechanisms by which HIV “hijacks” these host cellular communication systems, leading to exacerbation of HIV neuropathogenesis, and to simultaneously promote the survival of HIV infected cells, resulting in the establishment of viral reservoirs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)400-411
Number of pages12
JournalCurrent HIV Research
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Connexin
  • Exosomes
  • Gap junctions
  • HIV
  • Tunneling nanotubes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mechanisms of HIV neuropathogenesis: Role of cellular communication systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this