HIV and methamphetamine's effects on brain inflammation
Modeling HIV and methamphetamine-induced neuroinflammation in cerebral organoids
Researchers are growing tiny human-like brain tissues with immune cells to understand how HIV and methamphetamine harm the brains of people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145235 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses lab-grown mini-brains (cerebral organoids) made from human stem cells and adds microglia, the brain's immune cells, derived from iPSCs. The team exposes these organoids to HIV-related signals and methamphetamine to watch inflammatory responses and cell damage. They will measure molecular signals, microglial activation, and neuron health to find pathways that drive cognitive problems in people with HIV. The goal is to identify targets that could lead to treatments to reduce brain inflammation and protect thinking skills.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV, particularly those who currently use or have a history of methamphetamine use, are the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: Because this is laboratory-based work using stem-cell–derived tissues, it will not provide immediate treatments or direct clinical benefit to patients right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to reduce brain inflammation and protect thinking and memory in people with HIV, especially those who use methamphetamine.
How similar studies have performed: Organoid and iPSC-derived microglia models have been used to model brain inflammation before, but combining HIV-related effects with methamphetamine in human cerebral organoids is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spearman, Paul W. — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Spearman, Paul W.
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 below.