Astrocytic expression of HIV-1 Nef impairs spatial and recognition memory

► Astrocyte HIV-1 Nef production in hippocampus produces learning impairment in rats. ► Nef expression in astrocytes stimulates CCL2 production. ► CCL2 induced by Nef stimulates peripheral monocyte infiltration into hippocampus. ► Neuronal loss is associated with Nef expression, CCL2 induction and monocyte infiltration.