Brain immune responses behind HIV-related thinking and memory problems on antiretroviral therapy
Role Of Innate Immunity to NeuroHIV in the cART Era
This project looks at how immune cells in the brain might keep causing inflammation and thinking or memory problems in people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259573 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study brain immune cells (microglia) and support cells (astrocytes) using lab models and samples that mimic people on combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). They will focus on a cell-intrinsic immune sensor pathway called cGAS–STING to see whether it is switched on in microglia during ART. The team will also examine how HIV-infected and uninfected brain cells communicate with each other to drive chronic inflammation. Findings are intended to reflect conditions relevant to people living with HIV today on ART.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who are taking combination antiretroviral therapy, especially those with new or ongoing cognitive symptoms, would be the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: People without HIV, or those whose thinking problems are caused by unrelated conditions, would not be expected to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to reduce brain inflammation and help prevent or treat HIV-related cognitive problems.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked neuroinflammation and microglial activation to HIV-related cognitive disorders, but applying the cGAS–STING pathway specifically in the context of modern ART is a relatively new direction not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Inacio Mamede, Joao Filipe — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Inacio Mamede, Joao Filipe
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.