Pathogenesis of HIV in the central nervous system

Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2011 Mar;8(1):54-61. doi: 10.1007/s11904-010-0070-4.

Abstract

HIV can infect the brain and impair central nervous system (CNS) function. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has not eradicated CNS complications. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain common despite cART, although attenuated in severity. This may result from a combination of factors including inadequate treatment of HIV reservoirs such as circulating monocytes and glia, decreased effectiveness of cART in CNS, concurrent illnesses, stimulant use, and factors associated with prescribed drugs, including antiretrovirals. This review highlights recent investigations of HIV-related CNS injury with emphasis on cART-era neuropathological mechanisms in the context of both US and international settings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Dementia Complex / drug therapy
  • Aging
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / methods
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / virology
  • Central Nervous System / pathology
  • Central Nervous System / virology*
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / virology*
  • Disease Reservoirs
  • HIV / pathogenicity*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • RNA, Viral / blood

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • RNA, Viral