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Development of an in vitro 3D brain organoid model of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) to study latency in the CNS

McKenna, Savannah (2022) Development of an in vitro 3D brain organoid model of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) to study latency in the CNS. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Nearly 38 million individuals are currently infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Of the individuals living with HIV-1, up to 50% will develop HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), characterized by cognitive, mood, and motor impairments. The development of HAND seems to arise due to virus-induced immune activation in the central nervous system (CNS) and persists even when individuals adhere to strict antiretroviral therapies (ART). This is thought to be due in part to the limited ability of antiretrovirals crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). While receiving ART, the virus within the brain is thought to reside in a latent state and does not actively replicate. Previously, our laboratory developed a triculture 3D brain organoid model to study HIV-1 induced neuroinflammation. Generated from fetal cortical tissue, this model is complicated by changing regulations pertaining to the use of fetal tissue, as well as complex and time-consuming propagation methods. To overcome these difficulties, we sought to develop a new model utilizing a commercially available, immortalized human cell line, ReNcell®-VM. Additionally, there is no current physiologically relevant in vitro model of HIV-1 latency in the brain. As such, we sought to use antiretroviral drugs to recapitulate the latent HIV-1 state found in the brains of HIV-1+ individuals when receiving ART to advance studies towards understanding the mechanisms contributing to the development of HAND. This model would also serve as a means for exploring alternative therapeutics with greater efficacy in traversing the BBB. Use of this model would provide a more biologically relevant method of studying the therapeutic potential of new antiretroviral and anti-inflammatory molecules. Results from this study support the generation of 3D brain organoids using the ReNcell®-VM cell line and show evidence of cellular differentiation into the major cell types of the brain – neurons and astrocytes. Infection of the organoid model was possible through incorporation of HIV-1 infected microglia cells. However, establishment of the latent-like state using antiretroviral drugs necessitates additional study before the in vitro latency model can be achieved.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
McKenna, Savannahslm211@pitt.eduslm2110000-0002-1625-3219
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairAyyavoo, Velpandivelpandi@pitt.eduvelpandi
Committee MemberHartman, Amyhartman2@pitt.eduhartman2
Committee MemberAmbrose, Zandreazaa4@pitt.eduzaa4
Date: 16 May 2022
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 21 April 2022
Approval Date: 16 May 2022
Submission Date: 29 April 2022
Access Restriction: 2 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 2 years.
Number of Pages: 80
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Degree: MS - Master of Science
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: ReNcell, 3D brain organoid, HIV-1, latency, CNS, HAND, neurobiology
Date Deposited: 16 May 2022 13:58
Last Modified: 16 May 2022 13:58
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/42887

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