Question

Productively infected cells in HIV-1 CNS infection are a. neurons b. endothelial cells c. oligodendrocytes d. macrophages/microglia e. all of the above

Short answer

Short Answer: In the context of HIV-1 CNS infection, the productively infected cells are macrophages/microglia. These immune cells contribute to the spread of the virus within the central nervous system, while other cell types such as neurons, endothelial cells, and oligodendrocytes are not productively infected by HIV-1.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the cell types involved in the central nervous system (CNS)

The central nervous system (CNS) contains various cell types, including neurons, endothelial cells, oligodendrocytes, and macrophages/microglia. Each of these cell types has a specific function in the CNS, such as transmitting signals (neurons), forming the blood-brain barrier (endothelial cells), producing myelin (oligodendrocytes), and acting as immune cells in the brain (macrophages/microglia).

Examine each cell type's role in HIV-1 infection

Investigate the roles of each cell type in the context of HIV-1 infection to identify which ones are productively infected. a. Neurons: Neurons are the primary functional units in the CNS responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. However, they are not productively infected by HIV-1. b. Endothelial cells: These cells form the blood-brain barrier, which separates the CNS from the blood circulation. They can be affected by HIV-1 but are not productively infected. c. Oligodendrocytes: These cells produce myelin, which insulates neuronal axons. Oligodendrocytes are not productively infected by HIV-1. d. Macrophages/Microglia: Macrophages (found in the brain as microglia) are immune cells responsible for fighting infections. They can be productively infected by HIV-1 and contribute to the spread of the virus in the CNS.

Identify the productively infected cells in the CNS

Based on the information from Step 2, it becomes evident that only macrophages/microglia are productively infected by HIV-1 in the CNS. Thus, the correct answer is: d. macrophages/microglia