RNA-seq of select neural tissue in SHIV infected and control rhesus macaques

HIV+ patients are at an alarmingly higher risk of developing HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). HAND is a spectrum of neurocognitive deficits linked to impairments in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, areas controlling higher cognitive processes. Studies in HIV+ patients implicate acute viremia and inflammation in driving central nervous system (CNS) impairment. However, the timing and implications of viral dissemination to the CNS, particularly the PFC and hippocampus, remain undefined. We tested the hypothesis that HIV-1 is rapidly and actively established within areas of the CNS responsible for controlling cognition. Overall design: Comparison of transcriptome profiles across select neural tissues in SHIV model.