Dysregulation of sonic hedgehog pathway and pericytes in the brain after lentiviral infection

Impairment of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) has been associated with cognitive decline in many CNS diseases, including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Recent research suggests an important role for the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in the maintenance of BBB integrity under both physiological and pathological conditions. In the present study, we sought to examine the expression of Shh and its downstream effectors in...