Exploring how gut bacteria affect brain inflammation in people with HIV
Official title: Determining the interplay of MAIT cells and the translocated microbiome in HIV-induced neuroinflammation
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-10744475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your body interact with gut bacteria and how this relationship might affect brain health in people living with HIV, even when they're on treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $492,992 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH134244-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10744475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who experience neurological symptoms despite being on antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not exhibit any neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and the gut microbiome in the context of HIV-related brain inflammation. It aims to understand how these immune cells interact with gut bacteria and contribute to ongoing neurological issues in individuals living with HIV, even when they are on effective antiviral treatment. By analyzing samples from blood and cerebrospinal fluid, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind gut-brain communication and its impact on central nervous system health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to alleviate neurological disorders in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis in other conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paquin-Proulx, Dominic — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Paquin-Proulx, Dominic
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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.