RNAseq SIV3 frontal cortex

Despite improvements in antiretroviral therapy, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain prevalent in subjects undergoing therapy. HAND remains an important health issue for HIV-infected patients, affecting both their survival and their quality of life. Nowadays, despite the increasing understanding of HAND pathogenesis, no definitive marker has been identified. To expand further the knowledge on HAND pathogenesis, we present the characterization of brain gene expression alterations induced by viral infection using the Rhesus macaque model of infection with the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Gene expression in SIV infected animals shed the light into involvement of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) in SIV infection in the brain and potentially their role in SIV-associated neurodegenerative processes. Our results indicated that PARPs may play a central role in HAND pathogenesis and provide a new potential biomarker or therapeutic target.