Cannabis to reduce gut–brain inflammation in people with HIV who use cocaine
Cannabinoid inhibition of CNS inflammasome activation via modulation of the gut-brain axis
This project looks at whether low-dose THC together with HIV medicines can reduce gut and brain inflammation in people living with HIV who use cocaine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321223 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how cocaine and HIV change inflammatory signaling in the intestine and brain and whether long-term, low-dose THC plus standard HIV therapy can reverse those changes. The work combines experiments using HIV/SIV models and tissue analyses to measure inflammasome-related proteins, DNA methylation, and gene activity. The team will also look at gut microbiome shifts (dysbiosis) that may link intestinal and brain inflammation. Results will be used to guide whether cannabinoid plus antiretroviral approaches could restore immune balance and slow disease processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV—especially those who use or have used cocaine and who have signs of gut or brain inflammation—would be the patients most likely to be relevant for related future trials.
Not a fit: People without HIV, those who do not use cocaine, or individuals for whom cannabinoids are contraindicated (for example during pregnancy or with certain medications) may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to lower gut and brain inflammation and help protect immune health in people with HIV who use cocaine.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research suggests cannabinoids can reduce inflammation in certain contexts, but using low-dose THC to counteract cocaine/HIV-driven inflammasome activation and epigenetic changes is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Byrareddy, Siddappa N — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Byrareddy, Siddappa N
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.