Date Published:
2008

Publication Type:
Journal Article

Authors:

I. Mocchetti
A. Bachis
E. Masliah

Secondary:
Journal of Neuroscience Research

Volume:
86

Pagination:
243-55

URL:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Keywords:
Chemokine;Internal;Nerve Growth Factors;Receptors

Abstract:
<p>Chemokine receptors, in particular, CXCR4 and CCR5, mediate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of immunocompetent cells and the apoptosis of these cells. However, the virus does not infect neurons. Yet through a variety of mechanisms, HIV promotes glial cell activation, synaptodendritic alterations, and neuronal loss that ultimately lead to motor and cognitive impairment. Chemokines and chemokine receptors are abundant in the adult central nervous system and play a role in neuronal apoptosis evoked by HIV proteins. Thus, reducing the availability of chemokine receptors may prevent the neuronal degeneration seen in HIV-positive patients. In this article, we present and discuss a recent experimental approach aimed at testing effective neuroprotective therapies against HIV-mediated neuronal degeneration.</p>