A “Drug-Dependent” Immune System Can Compromise Protection against Infection: The Relationships between Psychostimulants and HIV

Abstract

Psychostimulant use is a major comorbidity in people living with HIV, which was initially explained by them adopting risky behaviors that facilitate HIV transmission. However, the effects of drug use on the immune system might also influence this phenomenon. Psychostimulants act on peripheral immune cells even before they reach the central nervous system (CNS) and their effects on immunity are likely to influence HIV infection. Beyond their canonical activities, classic neurotransmitters and neuromodulators are expressed by peripheral immune cells (e.g., dopamine and enkephalins), which display immunomodulatory properties and could be influenced by psychostimulants. Immune receptors, like Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on microglia, are modulated by cocaine and amphetamine exposure. Since peripheral immunocytes also express TLRs, they may be similarly affected by psychostimulants. In this review, we will summarize how psychostimulants are currently thought to influence peripheral immunity, mainly focusing on catecholamines, enkephalins and TLR4, and shed light on how these drugs might affect HIV infection. We will try to shift from the classic CNS perspective and adopt a more holistic view, addressing the potential impact of psychostimulants on the peripheral immune system and how their systemic effects could influence HIV infection.

Prior Methamphetamine Use Disorder History Does Not Impair Interoceptive Processing of Soft Touch in HIV Infection

“…Little is known about the interaction of METH use disorder with HIV infection on inflammation, although evidence suggests it could be exacerbated, as METH-using PWH show greater cognitive impairment [89]. Both HIV infection and METH use affect the peripheral immune system, typically by elevating inflammatory cytokines and chemokines [90,91], and the comorbid use of METH in the context of HIV may additionally impact immune system homeostasis. Moreover, dopamine also regulates immune functioning, and immune systems can subsequently influence dopamine signaling [92], thereby modulating tactile perception and perceived intensity [93].…”