Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Chronic, Acute, and Reactivated HIV Infection in Humanized Immunodeficient Mouse Models
09:54

Chronic, Acute, and Reactivated HIV Infection in Humanized Immunodeficient Mouse Models

Published on: December 3, 2019

Inflammatory reactions in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after highly active antiretroviral therapy

P Miralles, J Berenguer, C Lacruz

    AIDS (London, England)
    |October 2, 2001
    PubMed

    Insights

    Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can paradoxically worsen progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in some patients. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) may explain this clinical and radiological deterioration despite viral suppression.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroimmunology
    • Virology
    • Neurology

    Background:

    • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease caused by the JC virus.
    • Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is standard treatment for HIV/AIDS, improving immune function.

    Observation:

    • Three patients on HAART experienced clinical and radiological worsening of PML.
    • Deterioration occurred with reduced HIV viral load and increased CD4 counts.
    • Brain biopsies revealed PML with significant perivascular inflammation.

    Findings:

    • Four of nine (44%) PML patients on HAART showed inflammatory changes.
    • One of 19 (5%) PML patients not on HAART showed inflammatory changes.
    • HAART-associated immune reconstitution may trigger inflammatory responses in PML.

    Implications:

    • The findings suggest a potential role for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in PML.
    • Clinicians should consider IRIS in PML patients experiencing paradoxical worsening on HAART.
    • Further research is needed to understand and manage HAART-related PML complications.

    More Related Videos

    A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection08:48

    A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection

    Published on: January 21, 2021

    Identification of EcoHIV-Infected Cells in Microglia-Manipulated Transgenic Mice07:23

    Identification of EcoHIV-Infected Cells in Microglia-Manipulated Transgenic Mice

    Published on: December 20, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

    Retrovirus Life Cycles

    Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
    Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions01:01

    Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

    Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...
    Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

    Arboviral Encephalitis

    Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
    Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

    Cryptococcal Meningitis

    Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
    Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

    Encephalitis l: Introduction

    Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
    Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

    Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

    Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...