# cART effects on glial cells

> **NIH NIH R21** · RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $196,250

## Abstract

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is appropriately credited with dramatically curbing the
AIDS pandemic and is increasingly being used as a prophylactic treatment to prevent HIV
transmission among “at high-risk” populations. Despite these therapeutic advances, HIV infection
is associated with a number of co-morbid conditions, the most notable of which is a spectrum of
neurocognitive disorders termed HIV Associated Neurodegenerative Disorders (HAND). The
contribution of HIV vs. cART on HAND is not clear. cART, independent of HIV, may negatively
impact cells of the Central Nervous System (CNS). While some studies demonstrated direct
neurotoxic effects of cART, little is known about their impact on macro and micro glial cells (e.g.
astrocytes and microglia/macrophages, respectively). Glial cells coordinate immunologic
responses and communication with neurons and endothelial cells. Dysregulation of glial cells is
associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including HAND. In this application, in
Aim 1 we will determine the impact of cART (Atripla and Triumeq) on the phenotype and
function of astrocytes, microglia, and monocyte- derived macrophages (MDMs).
In Aim 2, we will determine the impact of cART on glia and neuroinflammation in vivo
humanized mice. Collectively, these studies will reveal the impact of cART on glial cells and its
subsequent effects on neuronal health and blood brain barrier integrity as well as inform
combination of antiretrovirals that will retain therapeutic efficacy with minimal CNS
dysregulation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10168648
- **Project number:** 5R21MH122241-02
- **Recipient organization:** RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Lena Al-Harthi
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $196,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-06-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10168648

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10168648, cART effects on glial cells (5R21MH122241-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10168648. Licensed CC0.

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