How cannabis (THC) affects hidden HIV in the body
Defining the impact of cannabinoids on the HIV reservoir in humanized mice
This project looks at whether THC (the active part of cannabis) changes hidden HIV in the brain and other tissues using mice that carry human immune cells to model 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 ID | NIH-11369019 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will create humanized mice that contain human immune cells and brain microglia, infect them with HIV, and expose them to controlled doses of THC both before and after suppressing the virus with antiretroviral therapy. They will monitor blood for virus levels, immune markers, and cytokines, and then measure viral DNA and RNA in the brain and spleen to gauge reservoir size and activity. The goal is to learn if THC causes an immune state that changes how much virus remains hidden in tissues or how actively that virus is transcribed. Findings will guide whether cannabis use could alter tissue reservoirs relevant to cure strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV—especially those who use or are considering using cannabis—are the patient group most directly relevant to the questions raised by this research.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those looking for immediate changes to their medical care should not expect direct benefit, since this is a preclinical animal model study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify whether cannabis use alters the amount or activity of hidden HIV in tissues and help shape guidance for people living with HIV and strategies aimed at reducing reservoirs.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior work has examined cannabis-related immune effects, but studies specifically measuring the impact of cannabinoids on tissue HIV reservoirs are limited and this approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- 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
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.