Boosting cells' cleanup to lower inflammation and immune problems in people with HIV who use methamphetamine
Targeting autophagy to reduce inflammasome-mediated inflammation and immune dysfunction in HIV and methamphetamine use
This research looks at whether boosting cells' recycling (autophagy) can reduce harmful inflammation and help immune health in people living with HIV who use methamphetamine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306003 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how methamphetamine makes immune problems worse in people with HIV by damaging mitochondria and triggering inflammasome-driven inflammation. They will use laboratory experiments and humanized mouse models, and work with human-derived cells, to test whether autophagy inducers like rapamycin (and possibly cannabis compounds such as THC) restore mitochondrial function and lower inflammasome activation. The team will measure inflammation markers, antiviral T cell responses, and the size or activity of the HIV viral reservoir, including viral rebound after stopping ART in model systems. Results are intended to point toward future therapies to reduce chronic inflammation and improve immune control in people with HIV who use methamphetamine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who currently use or have a history of methamphetamine use, especially those on antiretroviral therapy and concerned about chronic inflammation, would be the main group this work aims to help.
Not a fit: People without HIV, those who do not use methamphetamine, or patients unable to receive autophagy-modulating drugs would be unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that lower chronic inflammation and improve immune control of HIV in people who use methamphetamine, potentially reducing illness and viral rebound.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work, including studies in humanized mice, has shown that rapamycin can boost autophagy, improve mitochondrial health, reduce inflammasome activation, and lower viral reservoirs, but translating these findings to people remains untested.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhen, Anjie — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhen, Anjie
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 below.