Comprehensive analyses identify potential biomarkers for encephalitis in HIV infection

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Immunology

Background:

• Human immunodeficiency virus encephalitis (HIVE) is a severe neurological complication of HIV infection.
• Genetic factors are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of HIVE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel therapeutic targets for HIVE by analyzing differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
• To elucidate the genetic underpinnings of HIVE through comprehensive bioinformatic analyses.

Main Methods:

• Differential gene expression analysis to identify DEGs in HIVE.
• Functional annotation, pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction.
• Gene co-expression analysis and drug-gene interaction analysis to validate therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

• Identified 20 overlapping DEGs associated with HIVE.
• Enriched pathways included ion transport, type II interferon signaling, and synaptic signaling.
• Discovered 10 hub genes (e.g., SCN8A, STAT1, ISG15) and confirmed six in human brain tissue.
• Identified STAT1, ISG15, and SCN2B as interacting with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Conclusions:

• SCN8A, CDK5R2, GRM5, SCN2B, IFI44L, STAT1, SLC17A7, ISG15, FGF12, and FGF13 represent potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for HIVE.
• The identified hub genes and pathways offer insights into HIVE pathogenesis.
• Drug-gene interactions suggest potential therapeutic strategies for HIVE.