HIV-1 gp120Bal down-Regulates Phosphorylated NMDA Receptor Subunit 1 in Cortical Neurons via Activation of Glutamate and Chemokine Receptors

J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2016 Mar;11(1):182-91. doi: 10.1007/s11481-015-9644-7. Epub 2015 Nov 18.

Abstract

HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 (gp120) is a major virulence protein implicated in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Although gp120 has been suggested to cause synaptic and neuronal injuries by disrupting NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we show that gp120Bal down-regulates the phosphorylation of the NMDAR subunit1 NR1 (at Ser896 and Ser897), which is essential for NMDAR function. This effect of gp120Bal is blocked by specific antagonists of both NMDA and AMPA receptors, indicating a critical role of synaptic activation. Furthermore, AMD3100 and maraviroc, antagonists of CCR5 and CXCR4 chemokine receptors, respectively, inhibit the effect of gp120Bal on NR1, suggesting that CXCR4 and CCR5 activation are involved. These findings may provide mechanistic insights into the synaptopathogenesis caused by HIV-1 infection.

Keywords: HIV-1; NMDA receptor; Phosphorylation; Synapse; gp120.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cerebral Cortex / metabolism*
  • Cerebral Cortex / virology
  • Down-Regulation
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / metabolism*
  • HIV-1 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Receptors, CCR5 / metabolism
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / metabolism
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism*

Substances

  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120
  • NMDA receptor A1
  • Receptors, CCR5
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • gp120 protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1
  • Glutamic Acid