Benzodiazepines and HIV persistence in brain-resident immune cells
Official title: Multiomics analysis of benzodiazepine-mediated epigenetic reprogramming in HIV-1 infected hMDMs
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11411679 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how commonly prescribed sleep medicines might affect HIV that's hidden in brain immune cells, with potential implications for future therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $54,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R36DA065470-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411679 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals living with HIV on ART who have discussions with their healthcare team about CNS HIV persistence and related research opportunities.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science study does not involve direct patient treatment or enrollment beyond the use of patient-derived cells in laboratory experiments.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how benzodiazepines influence HIV activity in human brain-like immune cells that can harbor the virus even during antiretroviral therapy. The project uses patient-derived cells to examine how epigenetic changes and a transcription factor called RUNX1 affect viral persistence in macrophages and microglia. Findings could reveal strategies to better control HIV in the central nervous system and reduce related neurocognitive effects. Although the work is basic, it focuses on mechanisms that relate directly to people living with HIV and potential future clinical implications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform new approaches to manage HIV in the brain and potentially reduce HAND by clarifying how existing medications impact viral reservoirs.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings in related models suggest that epigenetic regulation can influence HIV latency in myeloid cells, but direct human CNS-focused data remain limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wallace, Courtney — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Wallace, Courtney
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.