Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2026, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (9): 4237-4238.doi: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-25-01394

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Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol: A blunt weapon or a doubleedged sword for virus-induced neuroinflammation

Alison R. Van Zandt#, Miranda D. Horn#, Andrew G. MacLean*   

  1. Tulane National Biomedical Research Center, Tulane University, Covington, LA, USA (Van Zandt AR, Horn MD, MacLean AG)
    Biomedical Sciences Training Program, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA (Van Zandt AR, MacLean AG)
    Department of Biological Sciences, Neuroscience Program, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH, USA (Horn MD)
    Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA (MacLean AG)
    Tulane Brain Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA (Horn MD, MacLean AG)
    Louisiana Cancer Research Center, New Orleans, LA, USA (MacLean AG)
    Tulane Center for Aging, New Orleans, LA, USA (MacLean AG)
  • Online:2026-09-15 Published:2026-05-11
  • Contact: Andrew G. MacLean, PhD, amaclean@tulane.edu.

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Abstract: Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, has demonstrated both neuroprotective and antiinflammatory properties, while also having the potential to impact the blood–brain barrier and cognitive function with chronic use. A previous study hosted at Tulane National Biomedical Research Center showed that chronic Δ9-THC administration prior to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection reduced viral load and generalized inflammation, including in the cerebellum (Molina et al., 2011). Although the effect of Δ9-THC on reducing microglial activation has been explored in the context of chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the influence of Δ9-THC on the initial seeding of the central nervous system (CNS) reservoir, reservoir persistence, and downstream neurodegeneration remains largely unknown. This perspective explores the impact of cannabinoids on HIV neuropathology with a focus on regenerative potential.