HIV-1 Nef induces astrocytes proliferation, inflammatory response, A1-like astrocytes polarization and subsequent neuronal apoptosis via NF-κB signaling pathway

J Neurovirol. 2026 Mar 11;32(2):12. doi: 10.1007/s13365-026-01307-9.

Lei Zhang^#¹, Huan Yao^#^{2

3}, Wenhua Tao⁴, Duo Cao⁵, Lin Gao⁶

¹ Research Center of Molecular Medicine, Ph.D. Laboratory, Nantong Health College of Jiangsu Province, Nantong, 226001, People's Republic of China.
² Department of Pathogen Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, People's Republic of China.
³ Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, No. 666, Shengli Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
⁴ Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, People's Republic of China.
⁵ Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Resource Plants On the Loess Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, No. 580, Shengdi Road, Baota District, Yan'an, 716000, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China. duocao@yau.edu.cn.
⁶ Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, and First People's Hospital of Nantong City, No. 666, Shengli Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. NewDelhi_Metallo_1@163.com.

^# Contributed equally.

No abstract available

Keywords: A1-like astrocytes; Astrocytes proliferation; HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder; NF-κB; Nef; Neuroinflammation.

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