HIV transgenic mouse monocytes display increased <i>in vivo</i> migration across the blood-brain barrier associated with increased expression of genes associated with mononuclear leukocyte movement

migration of circulating monocytes across the BBB, we developed a novel mouse model utilizing HIV-transgenic mouse monocytes that support HIV production. After intravenous injection, a significantly higher number of HIV-transgenic monocytes migrated into the brains of wild-type mice compared to control transgenic monocytes, particularly after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. We identified multiple genes differentially expressed in HIV-transgenic monocytes associated with mononuclear leukocyte trafficking linked to HIV-mediated induction of monocyte transmigration across the BBB. These genes may represent therapeutic targets to prevent HIV-infected monocyte migration into the brain.