HIV-1 Tat variation and its link to NeuroHIV health
Official title: HIV-1 Tat genetic variation impacts NeuroHIV
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11591228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how different HIV-1 Tat protein variants may contribute to neurocognitive problems in adults living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2015 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $628,940 |
| NIH project number | 2R56NS089435-11A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11591228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21+ living with HIV, particularly those with or at risk for neurocognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or without potential Tat-related neurocognitive risk may not experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how Tat protein variants, driven by viral and host factors, affect brain cells and contribute to neurocognitive impairment in people with HIV. The study builds on prior findings that Tat can be secreted in the brain and may persist even when viral load is suppressed by ART. By analyzing Tat sequences from individuals with and without neurocognitive impairment, the team aims to understand connections between Tat diversity and brain function. The project leverages brain-resident cells and patient data to explore mechanisms that could inform future therapies. This work may pave the way for targeted approaches to protect brain health in HIV+ individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding Tat-related mechanisms could lead to new strategies to prevent or mitigate HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked Tat variation to neurocognitive outcomes, supporting a promising but still evolving approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nonnemacher, Michael R — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Nonnemacher, Michael R
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.