DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/JC7V-6559

Defense Date

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Anatomy & Neurobiology

First Advisor

Dr. Pamela Knapp

Second Advisor

Dr. Babette Fuss

Third Advisor

Dr. Kurt Hauser

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) has been greatly studied in recent decades. Combined anti-retroviral therapy (cART), the development of drug treatments such as maraviroc, and the wider availability of support for those in resource-rich environments have been instrumental in improving the prospects of people living with HIV (PLWH). It is well- documented that PLWH can suffer from a host of cognitive deficits collectively known as HIV- associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Moreover, the role of biological sex in the development of HAND and other cognitive deficits is still being studied. C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) is one of the two major co-receptors for HIV entry into a host. In recent years, CCR5 has emerged as a potential contributor to cognitive decline even in the absence of HIV infection. Maraviroc is a prophylactic drug that prevents HIV from infecting new cells. Blockade of CCR5 using maraviroc may also improve cognitive functioning in virally- suppressed individuals. We hypothesized that CCR5 blockade would affect the population of select CCR5-positive cells within the hippocampus in a sex-dependent manner. Using a non- infectious HIV Tat-transgenic mouse model, we evaluated the proportions and CCR5- expression of microglia along and within the cell layers of the CA1-CA3 hippocampal axis.

We found sex differences regarding the populations of microglia. The proportions of microglia in the hippocampus did not change between males in different treatment groups, whereas changes were observed in females. The location of elevated CCR5 expression on microglia also differed between males and females. Short-term CCR5 blockade coincided with increased CCR5-positive microglia in both males and females, suggesting a potential side-effect of maraviroc being a paradoxical increase in CCR5 expression. Finally, changes in CCR5 expression along the layers of the hippocampus suggested that subtle differences in circuitry within male and female brains may contribute to the development of cognitive deficits.

Rights

© Ama S Boakye-Agyei

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-11-2023

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