How drug abuse affects immune recovery in HIV patients
Official title: Impacts of drug abuse-mediated inflammatory perturbations on affinity maturation of anti-CD4 autoantibodies and poor immune reconstitution from ART in HIV
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11194410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drug use, like cocaine and cannabis, affects the immune system of people living with HIV, especially how it impacts important immune cells and their ability to fight infections, and we’d love to have patients help us by sharing their experiences or samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $697,735 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059854-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have a history of drug abuse and are currently undergoing antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are HIV-negative or those who do not have a history of drug abuse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of drug abuse on the immune system of individuals living with HIV, particularly focusing on how certain drugs may hinder the recovery of critical immune cells known as CD4+ T cells. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which drug use alters antibody responses and contributes to immune dysfunction in HIV patients. By examining the effects of substances like cocaine and cannabis on B cell function and antibody production, the research seeks to fill a significant knowledge gap regarding the interplay between substance use and HIV pathology. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help elucidate these complex interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance immune recovery in HIV patients who also struggle with substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the immune response in HIV patients can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Wei — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Wei
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.