RON receptor tyrosine kinase, a negative regulator of inflammation, inhibits HIV-1 transcription in monocytes/macrophages and is decreased in brain tissue from patients with AIDS.

Activation of macrophages and microglia cells after HIV-1 infection and their production of inflammatory mediators contribute to HIV-associated CNS diseases. The mechanisms that initiate and maintain inflammation after HIV-1 infection in the brain have not been well studied. Furthermore, it is not understood why in HIV-associated CNS disease, macrophages and microglia are biased toward inflammation rather than production of mediators that control inflammation.