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Published on: September 19, 2010
Human Microglia Models for NeuroHIV
Priyanka Sarkar1, Xu Wang1, Wenhui Hu2
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Abstract:
Microglia are the primary target and reservoir of HIV infection in the central nervous system (CNS), which contributes to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). However, studying HIV infection of microglia has been challenged by the limited availability of primary human microglial cells. To overcome this issue, investigators have developed various microglial models for HIV studies, including immortalized human microglial cell lines, HIV latently infected microglial clones, peripheral blood monocyte-derived microglia (MMG), induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived microglia (iMg), and microglia-containing cerebral organoids (MCOs) from iPSCs. Though these models have been used in many laboratories, the published data about their expression of the specific human microglia markers and the HIV entry receptors are conflicting. In addition, there is limited information about their feasibility and applicability as a suitable model for acute and/or latent HIV infection. This review provides a concise summary of the currently used human microglial models, with a focus on their suitability for NeuroHIV research.
Insights
Investigating HIV in the brain requires reliable microglial models. This review evaluates current human microglial models for their suitability in NeuroHIV research, addressing challenges in studying HIV infection.
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.
