The HIV-1 Matrix Protein p17 Does Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier
Francesca Caccuri, Vera Neves, Lurdes Gano, João D. G. Correia, Maria Cristina Oliveira, Pietro Mazzuca, Arnaldo Caruso, Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
Abstract
) patients. The mechanisms leading to HAND development need to be elucidated, but the roles of secreted viral proteins, chemokines, and proinflammatory molecules appear to be clear. In particular, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents a route for entry into the central nervous system (CNS) and thus plays an important role in HAND. Several findings suggest a key role for the HIV-1 matrix protein p17 (p17) as a microenvironmental factor capable of inducing neurocognitive disorders. Here, we show the ability of the p17 to cross the BBB and to reach the CNS, thus playing a crucial role in neuronal dysfunction in HAND.