HIV enters the brain and doesn’t leave – paradoxically, drugs intended to reduce brain inflammation increase virus levels

Immune cells can carry HIV into the brain, leading to problems with memory and cognition. Blocking other immune cells from the brain can make matters worse.

By: Smita S. Iyer, University of Pittsburgh, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 8, 2026

Words: 909

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Smita S. Iyer, University of Pittsburgh

HIV can damage the brain and cause memory and cognitive problems. And once HIV enters the brain, it does not leave.

HIV targets a type of immune cell called helper T cells. These immune cells move throughout the body, including the brain, constantly scanning for pieces of foreign proteins called antigens that typically indicate the presence of a pathogen. When helper T cells detect antigens, they …

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