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Updated: Apr 22, 2026
05:48
Rapid Generation of Amyloid from Native Proteins In vitro
Published on: December 5, 2013
5.9K
Turning defense into damage: HIV-driven amyloidogenesis and neurotoxicity.
Feng Gu1, Badeia Saed1, Mojgan H Naghavi1
1Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Mbio
|April 21, 2026
Summary
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) infection impacts cognitive health, leading to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). This review explores the antiviral role of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the central nervous system during HIV-1 infection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) persists in the central nervous system (CNS), causing cognitive impairments known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND).
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has reduced HAND severity, but milder forms remain prevalent.
- Elevated amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation in the brain of HIV-1 infected individuals mirrors Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the antiviral functions of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its processing in the context of HIV-1 infection.
- To elucidate how APP-mediated defense mechanisms interact with neurotoxic pathways in the CNS.
- To understand the intercellular regulatory networks linking APP to HAND.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on APP, HIV-1, CNS, and neurocognition.
- Analysis of autopsy studies on Aβ accumulation in HIV-1 infected brains.
- Examination of microglial function and interaction with HIV-1.
Main Results:
- APP is abundantly expressed in the brain, and its role in AD is established, but its function during viral infections like HIV-1 is less understood.
- HIV-1 targets microglia, impairing their antiviral defenses and promoting neurotoxicity via viral proteins, cytokines, and Aβ.
- HIV-infected microglia can exacerbate neurodegeneration by affecting astrocytes and neurons.
Conclusions:
- APP plays a role in the CNS's defense against viral infections, including HIV-1.
- Understanding APP's interplay with neurotoxic pathways and intercellular networks is crucial for addressing HAND.
- Further research into APP's physiological functions during HIV-1 infection is warranted.
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