CBD reduced viral activity markers released from HIV-infected immune cells
CBD treatment reduced the number of inflammatory extracellular vesicles released from HIV-infected monocytes and macrophages, possibly by lowering viral transcription and activating autophagy.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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).
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would CBD have similar EV-reducing effects in living organisms?
- ?What CBD doses would be needed to achieve these effects in the brain?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- CBD significantly reduced extracellular vesicle release from HIV-infected cells
- Evidence Grade:
- In vitro cell culture study; results have not been confirmed in animal models or humans.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- Cannabinoids Reduce Extracellular Vesicle Release from HIV-1 Infected Myeloid Cells and Inhibit Viral Transcription.
- Published In:
- Cells, 11(4) (2022)
- Authors:
- 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
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03800
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why do extracellular vesicles matter in HIV?
EVs from HIV-infected cells carry viral RNA that triggers inflammation in healthy cells. About half of people with HIV develop neurocognitive disorders, partly driven by this inflammatory process.
How did CBD reduce vesicle release?
CBD appeared to work through two mechanisms: reducing viral transcription (so less viral material was produced) and activating autophagy (cellular self-cleaning that may reduce vesicle formation).
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03800APA
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
MLA
DeMarino, Catherine, et al. "Cannabinoids Reduce Extracellular Vesicle Release from HIV-1 Infected Myeloid Cells and Inhibit Viral Transcription.." Cells, 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11040723
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabinoids Reduce Extracellular Vesicle Release from HIV-1..." RTHC-03800. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/demarino-2022-cannabinoids-reduce-extracellular-vesicle
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.