Effect of an Anti-HIV Polymer Based Nanoformulation on Immune Mediating Cells Within the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue and Its Behavioural Impacts

Author

Blessed Ofori, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

First Advisor

Upal Roy

Second Advisor

Mohammed Farooqui

Third Advisor

Yonghong Zhang

Abstract

This thesis investigates the therapeutic potential of nanoformulated antiretroviral therapy (NF cART) and its implications for HIV-associated chronic inflammation and neurobehavioral outcomes. In the first study, NF cART demonstrated enhanced efficacy in modulating inflammasome activation and reducing viral reservoirs in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and the small intestine of HIV-infected humanized mice. Key markers of inflammation (NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β) and viral replication (LTR and p24 levels) were significantly suppressed with NF cART compared to conventional therapy, though residual LTR expression persisted in the small intestine. In the second study, nanoformulated Emtricitabine uniquely enhanced locomotor activity and reduced anxiety-like behaviors in Balb/c mice, while Dolutegravir and Tenofovir had limited neurobehavioral effects. These findings underscore the dual potential of NF formulations to enhance HIV reservoir suppression and mitigate neurocognitive side effects, offering critical insights for improving HIV treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

Comments

Copyright 2024 Blessed Ofori. https://proquest.com/docview/3153338514

Recommended Citation

Ofori, Blessed, "Effect of an Anti-HIV Polymer Based Nanoformulation on Immune Mediating Cells Within the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue and Its Behavioural Impacts" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1629.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1629