Humanized mice: models for evaluating NeuroHIV and cure strategies.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic initially presented with severe neurological damage.
• Effective antiretroviral therapies have reduced severe neurological pathologies but not eliminated neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected individuals.
• Current HIV treatments suppress viremia but are not curative, necessitating lifelong therapy and posing a risk of viral recrudescence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent advancements in humanized mouse models for studying HIV central nervous system (CNS) infection.
• To evaluate the utility of these models in developing HIV cure strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent developments in humanized mouse models.
• Analysis of their application in modeling HIV CNS infection.
• Assessment of their role in evaluating HIV cure strategies.

Main Results:

• Humanized mouse models offer a platform to study persistent HIV infection in the CNS.
• These models can recapitulate critical aspects of HIV neuropathogenesis in vivo.
• Developments in these models are advancing the evaluation of potential HIV cure strategies.

Conclusions:

• Humanized mouse models are essential tools for understanding the ongoing impact of HIV on the CNS.
• These models are critical for the development and validation of novel HIV cure interventions.
• Continued research with these models is vital for achieving a functional cure for HIV.