# Neuroprotective Immunity and HIV Dementia

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $641,481

## Abstract

Abstract
The interplay between the human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1), CD4+ T cell subset numbers and
function and central nervous system disease is the focus of this proposal now in its 24th year. During the prior
investigative cycle systemic viral infection was not shown to influence nigrostriatal degeneration for Parkinson's
disease (PD). However, effector immune responses for both innate and adaptive immunity were operative in
PD, HIV-1, traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease (AD). All can be ameliorated by immune
transformation and can forestall neurodegenerative activities. While age dependent neurodegeneration in
HIV/AIDS is linked to α-synuclein neural inclusions and amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation virus-induction of disease
is less certain. What is rests in the interplay between immunity and misfolded proteins are serving as disease
effectors. We posit that virus-induced neuroinflammation affect neurodegenerative disease. This is based on
the notion that mononuclear phagocytes (MP: microglia and perivascular macrophages) and CD4+ T
lymphocyte produce factors that affect the brain's microenvironment and can be transformed for therapeutic
gains. T cell immunity drives the tempo of disease. To extend such observations we will determine the roles of
adaptive immunity in affecting cognitive, behavior and neuropathobiology in the setting of HIV/AIDS and
neurodegenerative diseases. We will generate HIV-1-infected and AD biogenesis rodents and use them to
better understand disease events. We will elucidate the interplay between virus, immunity and brain subregion
disease as well as Aβ biopathogenesis. These events will be linked to neuronal vitality. The interplay between
CD4+ T cells and MP is a principal disease event while regulatory T cells are central to neuroprotective
outcomes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9894865
- **Project number:** 5R01NS034239-25
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Howard E Gendelman
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $641,481
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1995-04-01 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9894865

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9894865, Neuroprotective Immunity and HIV Dementia (5R01NS034239-25). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9894865. Licensed CC0.

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