Despite combined antiretroviral therapy, HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain highly prevalent in infected patients. HAND progression is associated with chronic inflammatory responses outside and inside of the central nervous system (CNS) driven by low levels of HIV replication, monocyte/macrophage activation, inefficient immune responses and compromise of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Inflammatory mediators and engagement of immune cells migrating into the CNS result in BBB injury. Alcohol misuse (common co-morbidity in HIV infected patients) accelerates HIV progression and HAND. Data obtained in humans and animal models suggest that alcohol promotes neuroinflammation and BBB injury. Therefore, interventions diminishing HIV replication and decreasing chronic inflammation could ameliorate HAND in the setting of alcohol abuse. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonists possess potent anti-inflammatory effects, protect the BBB and suppress HIV infection in macrophages. Although the published studies strongly suggest that CB2 activation may represent a promising novel therapeutic target for HIV infection and HAND, what is missing is the availability of CB2 agonists with optimal pharmacological properties (oral bioavailability, appropriate pharmacokinetics) and absence of major toxicity as tested in relevant `humanized' models of HIV infection and neuroinflammation. Using complimentary expertise in CB2 receptor pharmacology/toxicology (NIAAA intramural research program) and modeling of HIV infection in vitro and in vivo (Temple University) we propose to test a set of novel, highly selective and orall available CB2 agonists assuring quick translation toward clinical application for the treatment of HIV infection. We will first identify selective CB2 agonists with improved pharmacological properties and toxicology profile, and then test their ability to decrease HIV replication in human macrophages, to diminish migration of HIV infected monocytes and to protect the BBB in the setting of alcohol exposure. Lastly, we will evaluate the best CB2 compounds in a `humanized' animal model of HIV infection. This proposal brings together research expertise that will address key HIV and alcohol based research questions that would not otherwise be possible.

Public Health Relevance

Development of novel therapies for HIV infection and alcohol- associated chronic inflammation is urgently needed. Highly selective cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists have been shown to diminish innate immune responses and prevent end-organ injury; yet, what is missing is the availability of CB2 agonists with optimal pharmacological properties, thus impeding clinical application of such compounds. Proposed studies will address this gap in our knowledge.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Research Project--Cooperative Agreements (U01)
Project #
5U01AA023552-05
Application #
9856391
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAA1)
Program Officer
Wang, Joe
Project Start
2016-02-05
Project End
2021-01-31
Budget Start
2020-02-01
Budget End
2021-01-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Temple University
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
057123192
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19122
Seliga, Alecia; Lee, Michael Hweemoon; Fernandes, Nicole C et al. (2018) Kallikrein-Kinin System Suppresses Type I Interferon Responses: A Novel Pathway of Interferon Regulation. Front Immunol 9:156
Andrews, Allison M; Lutton, Evan M; Cannella, Lee A et al. (2018) Characterization of human fetal brain endothelial cells reveals barrier properties suitable for in vitro modeling of the BBB with syngenic co-cultures. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 38:888-903
Hill, Jeremy D; Zuluaga-Ramirez, Viviana; Gajghate, Sachin et al. (2018) Activation of GPR55 increases neural stem cell proliferation and promotes early adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Br J Pharmacol :
Merkel, Steven F; Razmpour, Roshanak; Lutton, Evan M et al. (2017) Adolescent Traumatic Brain Injury Induces Chronic Mesolimbic Neuroinflammation with Concurrent Enhancement in the Rewarding Effects of Cocaine in Mice during Adulthood. J Neurotrauma 34:165-181
Persidsky, Yuri; Hill, Jeremy; Zhang, Ming et al. (2016) Dysfunction of brain pericytes in chronic neuroinflammation. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 36:794-807
Rom, Slava; Zuluaga-Ramirez, Viviana; Reichenbach, Nancy L et al. (2016) PARP inhibition in leukocytes diminishes inflammation via effects on integrins/cytoskeleton and protects the blood-brain barrier. J Neuroinflammation 13:254
Hammer, Adam M; Morris, Niya L; Cannon, Abigail R et al. (2015) Summary of the 2014 Alcohol and Immunology Research Interest Group (AIRIG) meeting. Alcohol 49:767-72