Complement and HIV-I infection/HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Virology

Background:

• HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain a significant global health issue despite antiretroviral therapy.
• HAND arises from direct HIV-1 effects and immune/inflammatory responses.
• The complement system, crucial for immunity, has been underestimated in HIV-1 pathogenesis and HAND.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of complement's role in HIV-1 infection and HAND.
• To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting the complement system for HIV-1 and HAND treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on complement activation and regulation in HIV-1 infection.
• Analysis of complement's involvement in HIV-1 pathogenesis and neurological complications.
• Identification of therapeutic targets within the complement system.

Main Results:

• Complement activation can be triggered by HIV-1 components and antibodies.
• Complement exhibits a dual role, both inhibiting and promoting HIV-1 infection.
• HIV-1 can evade complement attack by hijacking host regulators.
• Increased local complement production and deposition in the brain of HIV-1-infected individuals suggest its contribution to HAND.

Conclusions:

• The complement system is intricately involved in HIV-1 infection and the development of HAND.
• Targeting the complement system presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing HIV-1 infection and its neurological sequelae.