New Discovery Reveals Brain Cells Can Spread HIV To The Body
New research conducted by Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago has revealed that the brain can be a reservoir of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and it is capable of spreading the virus to immune cells of other body organs.
In a study to harbour HIV researchers discovered a type of brain cell called Astrocyte. Leader of the research team, Dr. Lena Al-Harthi, said that there are billions of these Astrocyte cells in the brain and that they are involved in the execution of various tasks such as maintenance of the blood-brain barrier, as ‘Vanguard’ reports.
According to the study, the virus is capable of moving from the brain to the body, even when a patient is taking medication.
“This study demonstrates the critical role of the brain as a reservoir of HIV that is capable of re-infecting the peripheral organs with the virus,” said Dr Jeymohan Joseph, chief of the HIV Neuropathogenesis, Genetics, and Therapeutics Branch at NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health, which co-funded the study.
“The findings suggest that in order to eradicate HIV from the body, cure strategies must address the role of the central nervous system.” Speaking on the research revelation, Al-Harthi said: “Our study demonstrates that HIV in the brain is not trapped in the brain — it can and does move back into peripheral organs through leukocyte trafficking, “It also shed light on the role of astrocytes in supporting HIV replication in the brain — even under cART therapy.”
Dr May Wong, program director for the NeuroAIDS and Infectious Diseases in the Neuroenvironment at the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, which co-funded the study noted that: “HIV remains a major global public health concern, affecting 30 to 40 million people across the globe. To help patients, we need to fully understand how HIV affects the brain and other tissue-based reservoirs.”
Read related myGwork articles here:
Breakthrough Discovery In HIV Research Opens Path To Better Therapies
A Step Closer To Finding The Cure For HIV
New Studies Suggest Scientist Are Getting Closer In Treating HIV With Antibodies
FDA Approves New HIV Prevention Drug
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