How fentanyl and similar drugs harm brain cells in people with HIV
Opioid and non-opioid receptor mechanisms in neurons and glia underlying fentanyl and HIV comorbidity in the striatum
Researchers are looking at how fentanyl and drug mixes like fentanyl+xylazine change brain cell activity and inflammation in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307612 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory models of the striatum, a brain area involved in movement and thinking, to see how fentanyl and related compounds affect neurons and support cells called astroglia and microglia. Scientists expose mixed cell cultures and model systems to fentanyl and xylazine to measure changes in neuron firing, inflammatory chemokines, and oxidative stress. The team focuses on opioid and adrenergic receptors to pinpoint which signaling pathways drive the worst damage in neuroHIV and HIV-associated cognitive problems. Findings are intended to highlight biological targets that could guide future treatments to protect the brain in people with HIV who are exposed to these drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who use fentanyl, are exposed to fentanyl-contaminated drugs, or who have HIV-associated cognitive symptoms would be the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those never exposed to opioids or xylazine are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets to reduce brain inflammation and cognitive decline in people with HIV exposed to fentanyl or fentanyl-containing mixtures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show opioids can worsen neuroinflammation in HIV, but the specific damaging effects of fentanyl and combinations like fentanyl+xylazine are newer and less well tested.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hauser, Kurt F — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Hauser, Kurt F
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.