HIV infection, brain inflammation, and THC: exploring links to neurodegeneration
Official title: Exploaratory Studies of HIV Infection and Pathogenesis in the context of THC use
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11393999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people with HIV will look at how brain inflammation and immune cells interact with THC to influence brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,002,979 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA066170-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV who are on ART and have or are at risk for HIV-associated neuroinflammation.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV or those not experiencing CNS inflammation may see limited relevance.
What this research studies
This project examines how HIV-related brain inflammation and immune cell activity may contribute to cognitive problems, and whether THC’s anti-inflammatory effects could modify this process. Researchers will study biological samples and brain-related markers to understand mechanisms behind neurodegeneration in HIV. The work aims to identify potential paths where THC could impact inflammation and brain health in people living with HIV on ART. Participants would contribute data and samples to better understand CNS inflammation and its connection to cognitive outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new approaches to protect brain health in people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest CNS inflammation plays a role in neurodegeneration in HIV, with mixed results on anti-inflammatory strategies; this work extends that research to THC.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maclean, Andrew G — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Maclean, Andrew G
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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.