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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2018 Aug 8.
Published in final edited form as: CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2014;13(9):1571–1579. doi: 10.2174/1871527313666140806125841

Fig. 4. Possible homology of HIV manipulation of autophagic mechanisms between the immune system and CNS.

Fig. 4

HIV proteins, including Gag, inhibit autophagosome maturation, turning the cell defense system to their advantage in macrophages. However, T cells die leading to AIDS. HIV proteins may imitate this process in astrocytes, leading to storage of the virus in astrocytes, thus providing a reservoir for future supply. However, neurons cannot clear viral proteins via autophagy. This mechanism may lead to neurodegeneration and HAD.