In a primate model of HIV, THC treatment reversed virus-induced premature aging of brain support cells (astrocytes) and reduced inflammatory signaling, suggesting cannabinoids could help protect the brain during chronic HIV infection.
HIV researchers, neuroinflammation specialists, and people living with HIV interested in cannabinoid-based neuroprotection.
What the researchers found
THC treatment protected astrocytes from SIV-induced senescence (premature cellular aging), promoted recovery from Tat protein-induced damage, enhanced neuroprotective cell morphology, and significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner.
Why it matters
Despite effective antiretroviral therapy, chronic brain inflammation remains a major problem for people living with HIV. This study suggests THC could address this unmet need by reversing cellular aging and reducing inflammation in brain support cells.
The numbers in context
THC significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β secretion in a dose-dependent manner. THC promoted glial process elongation and morphological complexity indicative of a neuroprotective phenotype.
How the study worked
Researchers used primary mixed glial cultures from rhesus macaques, assessing cell integrity via real-time impedance monitoring (xCELLigence), morphology via phase-contrast microscopy, and cytokine levels via multiplex immunoassays after THC and HIV Tat protein exposure.
What this study cannot tell us
Preclinical study using primate cell cultures — results may not directly translate to humans. The study examined THC in isolation, not as part of whole-plant cannabis. Dose-response relationships in cell culture may differ from clinical dosing.
How to read the evidence
Preclinical study using primate-derived cell cultures with multiple validated assessment methods, but no human clinical data.
When this study was published
Published 2025.
The bigger picture
About half of people living with HIV experience some form of neurocognitive impairment despite effective antiretroviral therapy. If THC's neuroprotective effects translate from primate models to humans, it could offer an adjunct therapeutic strategy for HIV-associated brain injury.
Questions still open
- Would THC show similar neuroprotective effects in human clinical trials of people living with HIV? Could cannabinoid therapy complement antiretroviral treatment for neurocognitive symptoms? What is the optimal dosing window?
Common questions
Should people with HIV use THC for brain protection?
Why are astrocytes important in HIV brain disease?
Read the original research
THC reverses SIV-induced senescence in astrocytes: possible compensatory mechanism against HIV associated brain injury?
Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 19, 1642917
Citation
Van Zandt, Alison R; Horn, Miranda D; Peterson, Tiffany A; Dickinson, Sarah Y; Frost, Elise M; MacLean, Andrew G. (2025). THC reverses SIV-induced senescence in astrocytes: possible compensatory mechanism against HIV associated brain injury?. Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 19, 1642917. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2025.1642917
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