Human Microglia Models for NeuroHIV.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• Microglia are key targets for HIV in the central nervous system (CNS), contributing to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND).
• Studying microglial HIV infection is difficult due to limited primary human microglial cell availability.
• Existing microglial models for HIV research show conflicting data on marker expression and HIV receptor presence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize current human microglial models used in NeuroHIV research.
• To assess the suitability and applicability of these models for studying acute and latent HIV infection.
• To address inconsistencies in published data regarding microglial marker and HIV receptor expression in these models.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing human microglial models for HIV studies.
• Analysis of data on microglial marker expression and HIV entry receptors in various models.
• Evaluation of model feasibility and applicability for acute and latent HIV infection studies.

Main Results:

• Various models exist, including cell lines, iPSC-derived microglia (iMg), and microglia-containing cerebral organoids (MCOs).
• Conflicting reports exist regarding specific human microglia marker expression and HIV entry receptor presence across models.
• Limited information is available on the suitability of these models for acute and/or latent HIV infection.

Conclusions:

• Current human microglial models present challenges for NeuroHIV research due to conflicting data and limited applicability.
• Further validation and standardization of microglial models are needed for reliable HIV infection studies.
• This review highlights the need for careful model selection in NeuroHIV research.