Loss of CCR2 expressing non-classical monocytes are associated with cognitive impairment in antiretroviral therapy-naïve HIV-infected Thais

J Neuroimmunol. 2015 Nov 15:288:25-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.08.020. Epub 2015 Sep 4.

Abstract

HIV DNA in monocytes has been linked to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), however, characterization of monocyte subsets associated with HAND remains unclear. We completed a prospective study of antiretroviral therapy-naïve, HIV-infected Thais, with varying degrees of cognitive impairment, compared to HIV-uninfected controls. Monocyte subsets' CCR2, CCR5 and CD163 expression were profiled and inflammatory markers in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), measured. Lower numbers of CCR2(+)non-classical monocytes were associated with worse neuropsychological test performance (r=0.43, p=0.024). CCR2(+)non-classical monocyte count inversely correlated with CSF neopterin (r=-0.43, p=0.035) and plasma TNF-α levels (r=-0.40, p=0.041). These data benchmark CCR2(+)non-classical monocytes as an independent index of cognitive impairment.

Keywords: C-C chemokine receptor (CCR) CCR2; CD163; HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND); Monocytes; Neopterin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Dementia Complex / immunology*
  • Adult
  • Asian People
  • Cognition Disorders / immunology*
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Monocytes / immunology
  • Monocytes / virology*
  • Receptors, CCR2 / immunology
  • Thailand

Substances

  • CCR2 protein, human
  • DNA, Viral
  • Receptors, CCR2