HIV-1 Tat protein promotes neuronal dysregulation by inhibiting E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3).

Individuals who are infected with HIV-1 accumulate damage to cells and tissues ( neurons) that are not directly infected by the virus. These include changes known as HIV-associated neurodegenerative disorder (HAND), leading to the loss of neuronal functions, including synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP). Several mechanisms have been proposed for HAND, including direct effects of viral proteins such as the Tat protein.