CBD treatment reduced the number of inflammatory extracellular vesicles released from HIV-infected monocytes and macrophages, possibly by lowering viral transcription and activating autophagy.
Researchers interested in CBD, HIV, and neuroinflammation.
CBD significantly reduced extracellular vesicle release from HIV-infected cells
What the researchers found
CBD significantly reduced the concentration of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from HIV-1 infected U1 monocytes and primary macrophages. This appeared to be mediated by reduced viral transcription and activation of autophagy (cellular self-cleaning).
Why it matters
About 50% of people with HIV develop neurocognitive disorders. EVs carrying viral RNA trigger inflammation in healthy cells, so reducing their release could help limit HIV-associated brain inflammation.
The numbers in context
Approximately 50% of 37.9 million HIV-infected individuals exhibit HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Cannabis use in people with HIV has been associated with lower viral loads and higher CD4+ T-cell counts.
How the study worked
In vitro study using HIV-1 infected U1 monocytes and primary macrophages. EV concentrations measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis, viral RNA by RT-qPCR, and proteins by Western blot.
What this study cannot tell us
In vitro study only. The concentrations of CBD used may not reflect achievable levels in the human brain. Results from cell cultures may not translate to whole-body effects.
How to read the evidence
In vitro cell culture study; results have not been confirmed in animal models or humans.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
This lab study offers a potential mechanism for the clinical observation that cannabis use in people with HIV is associated with better immune markers.
Questions still open
- Would CBD have similar EV-reducing effects in living organisms? What CBD doses would be needed to achieve these effects in the brain?
Common questions
Why do extracellular vesicles matter in HIV?
How did CBD reduce vesicle release?
Read the original research
Cannabinoids Reduce Extracellular Vesicle Release from HIV-1 Infected Myeloid Cells and Inhibit Viral Transcription.
Cells, 11(4)
Citation
DeMarino, Catherine; Cowen, Maria; Khatkar, Pooja; Cotto, Bianca; Branscome, Heather; Kim, Yuriy; Sharif, Sarah Al; Agbottah, Emmanuel T; Zhou, Weidong; Costiniuk, Cecilia T; Jenabian, Mohammad-Ali; Gelber, Cohava; Liotta, Lance A; Langford, Dianne; Kashanchi, Fatah. (2022). Cannabinoids Reduce Extracellular Vesicle Release from HIV-1 Infected Myeloid Cells and Inhibit Viral Transcription.. Cells, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11040723
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