CHRNA7 and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder: In the present study, we further found that KYNA was able to block α7nAChR/NF-κB signaling to promote A2 (neuroprotective) astrocyte generation, which enhances neurotrophic factor secretion and reduces glutamatergic toxicity, leading to amelioration of neurological damage and cognitive deficits in HAND.