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Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Evaluation of the Efficacy And Toxicity of RNAs Targeting HIV-1 Production for Use in Gene or Drug Therapy
Published on: September 5, 2016
CNS Neurotoxicity of Antiretrovirals
Tyler Lanman1, Scott Letendre2, Qing Ma3
1Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 200 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92103, USA.
Abstract:
The development of novel antiretroviral treatments has led to a significant turning point in the fight against HIV. Although therapy leads to virologic suppression and prolonged life expectancies, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) remains prevalent. While various hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, a growing body of literature explores the neurotoxic effects of antiretroviral therapy. Research to date brings into question the potential role of such medications in neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric impairment seen in HIV-positive patients. This review highlights recent findings and controversies in cellular, molecular, and clinical neurotoxicity of antiretrovirals. It explores the pathogenesis of such toxicity and relates it to clinical manifestations in each medication class. The concept of accelerated aging in persons living with HIV (PLWH) as well as potential treatments for HAND are also discussed. Ultimately, this article hopes to educate clinicians and basic scientists about the neurotoxic effects of antiretrovirals and spur future scientific investigation into this important topic. Graphical Abstract.
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