Epigenetics and cannabis effects on HIV brain inflammation
Official title: Epigenetics of the neuroimmune axis in HIV and cannabis use
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11392673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests whether cannabinoids like THC and CBD can reprogram brain immune cells to reduce neuroinflammation in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,233,586 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA066096-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV who may have neuroinflammation or cognitive concerns and who could participate in CSF and immune profiling studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV or those unable to participate in CNS-related sampling may not benefit.
What this research studies
The project looks at how cannabis-related compounds might calm chronic brain inflammation in people with HIV. It uses earlier findings that cannabis use is linked to lower inflammatory markers and a more protective brain environment, and it will explore the underlying epigenetic mechanisms. Researchers plan to examine CSF and immune cells to see how cannabinoids influence gene expression and immune signaling in the CNS. If successful, this work could point toward new ways to protect cognition in people living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new cannabinoid-based strategies to reduce neuroinflammation and protect cognitive function in people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest cannabinoids may reduce CNS inflammation and alter immune-cell gene expression in HIV, supporting further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ellis, Ronald J. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Ellis, Ronald J.
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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.