How dopamine affects inflammation in immune cells during HIV infection
Official title: Dopaminergic immunomodulation drives macrophage inflammation during HIV infection
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10924398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how dopamine, a chemical that can be affected by substance use, impacts immune cells during HIV infection, with the goal of finding new ways to reduce inflammation and help people with HIV feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,064 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI179472-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10924398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also have a history of substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or do not have substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of dopamine in driving inflammation in immune cells, particularly macrophages, during HIV infection. It focuses on understanding how dopamine, which is increased by substance use disorders, influences the behavior of these immune cells and contributes to neurological complications associated with HIV. By examining the signaling pathways activated by dopamine in the presence of HIV, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for reducing inflammation and improving patient outcomes. The study employs laboratory techniques to analyze immune cell responses and the effects of dopamine on HIV entry into these cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce inflammation and neurological complications in people living with HIV, particularly those with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating dopamine's role in macrophage inflammation during HIV is novel, related research has shown that targeting inflammation can improve outcomes in other viral infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Channer, Breana — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Channer, Breana
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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.