How combined drug use affects brain cell interactions that control hidden HIV
The impact of poly-substance use on the crosstalk between microglia, astrocytes, and neurons that regulates HIV latency
This project looks at whether using multiple drugs together can wake up hidden HIV in brain cells in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294309 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will grow human brain cell types (microglia, astrocytes, and neurons) from stem cells and put them together in simple cultures and 3D organoids. They will expose these lab-grown brain cells to HIV and to combinations of substances (for example methamphetamine and other drugs) at levels like those seen in people. The team will watch whether drug exposure causes inflammation, neuronal injury, or signals that reactivate latent HIV. These experiments aim to mimic how substance use might change brain cell communication and lead to HIV reactivation that could underlie cognitive problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The findings are most relevant to people living with HIV who use multiple recreational or prescription substances, such as methamphetamine and opioids.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those who do not use multiple substances are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal why substance use raises the risk of HIV-associated brain problems and suggest new ways to prevent or treat virus reactivation in the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have shown that single drugs like methamphetamine can reactivate HIV in cell co-cultures, but using human-derived multi-cell organoids to model combined substance effects is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karn, Jonathan — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Karn, Jonathan
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.