The neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 infection

HIV encephalitis is the common pathologic correlate of HIV-dementia (HAD). HIV-infected brain mononuclear phagocytes (MP) (macrophages and microglia) are reservoirs for persistent viral infection. When activated, MP contribut e to neuronal damage. Such activated and virus-infected macrophages secrete cellular and viral factors, triggering neural destructive immune responses . Our Center's laboratories have begun to decipher the molecular and bioche mical pathways for MP-mediated neuronal damage in HAD. This review will dis cuss the salient clinical and pathological features of HAD and highlight th e recent advances made, by our scientists and elsewhere, in unraveling dise ase mechanisms, including the role of chemokines and their receptors in the neuropathogenesis of HIV-1 encephalitis. (C) 1999 Federation of European M icrobiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights res erved.