Exploring how cannabinoids affect HIV in the body
Official title: Defining the impact of cannabinoids on the HIV reservoir in humanized mice
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10933510 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how THC, a compound found in cannabis, affects HIV in mice that have human-like immune systems, to see if it can change how the virus behaves in the body, especially in the brain, which could help us understand its effects for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $519,071 |
| NIH project number | 5R61DA059918-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933510 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who may be using or considering cannabinoid therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or who do not use cannabinoids are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of cannabinoids, specifically THC, on the HIV reservoir in humanized mice. By using a controlled animal model, the study aims to understand how cannabinoid exposure influences HIV characteristics in tissues, particularly in the brain. The research will analyze various doses of THC during different stages of HIV infection and treatment, focusing on viral activity and immune responses. This approach could provide insights into the potential implications of cannabinoid use for people living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing HIV infection and improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While cannabinoid use among people with HIV is common, this specific investigation into its effects on the HIV reservoir is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Browne, Edward P — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Browne, Edward P
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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.