Effects of drug abuse on HIV in the brain

Impact of drugs of abuse on HIV brain reservoirs and HAND in humanized microglia mice

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11082362

This study looks at how drug use affects the way HIV hides in the brain, which can change how the disease progresses, and it's designed for people living with HIV who want to understand more about how their condition might be influenced by substance use.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project IDNIH-11082362 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how drug abuse influences the establishment and size of HIV reservoirs in the brain, which can affect disease progression and severity. Using a specialized mouse model that mimics human immune and brain cells, the study aims to understand the dynamics of HIV infection in the central nervous system. By examining how substance use impacts these reservoirs, the research seeks to identify potential interventions for better management of HIV-related neurocognitive disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also have a history of drug abuse.

Not a fit: Patients who are HIV-negative or do not have a history of substance abuse may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing HIV infection and its neurological complications in patients with a history of substance abuse.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the interactions between drug abuse and HIV can lead to significant advancements in treatment approaches, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and promising.

Where this research is happening

Omaha, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virusacute infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.