Introduction:
The infiltration of HIV into the brain alters the functions of the nervous system known as NeuroAIDS. It leads to neuronal defects clinically manifested by motor and cognitive dysfunctions.
Materials/Methods:
Current antiretroviral therapy can prevent viral replication but cannot cure the disease completely.
HAART-Highly active antiretroviral therapy used for the treatment of HIV infection. Challenges in neuro-AIDS therapy
are as shown in the graphical abstract. One of the challenges is latent viral reservoirs like the brain; which acts as a
sanctuary site for viruses. Nearly ~50% of HIV patients show neuropathological signs. Nervous system related disorders
including AIDS dementia, sensory neuropathy, and myelopathy have a 25% of prevalence in patients having access to a
highly active combination antiretroviral therapy.
Results/Conclusions:
Brain is one of the viral sanctuary sites for HIV. The current need of neuro-AIDS therapy is to
target the brain as a viral reservoir. Drugs should cross or bypass the blood-brain barrier to reach the brain with effective
concentrations. Current research on novel drug delivery approaches may prove helpful to treat neuro-AIDS and related
disorders effectively.