Effects of opioids and HIV on the brain's protective barrier and immune response
Official title: Opioid- and HIV-mediated effects on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, on immune cell recruitment, and on antiretroviral penetration into the brain
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11031335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and opioid use can weaken the protective barrier around the brain, which might affect treatment for people living with HIV, and it hopes to find ways to improve care for those dealing with both conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,220 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA053153-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also use opioids or are at risk of opioid use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or are not involved with opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how HIV and opioid use affect the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain from harmful substances. It aims to understand the mechanisms by which these factors disrupt BBB integrity and influence the effectiveness of antiretroviral treatments. Using specialized mouse models, the study will explore how these interactions lead to inflammation and cognitive impairments. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve treatment strategies for those affected by HIV and opioid use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with HIV and opioid use disorders by enhancing drug delivery to the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the interactions between HIV and the BBB can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcrae, Mary Peace — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Mcrae, Mary Peace
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.