How gut bacteria affect brain inflammation in people using opioids and living with HIV

Role of Gut Microbiome- Brain Axis in Modulating CNS Inflammasomes in the Neuropathology Produced by Opioid Exposure and HIV

NIH-funded research University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10653833

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect brain inflammation in people who use opioids and have HIV, with the goal of finding new ways to help improve brain health and cognitive issues for those individuals.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project IDNIH-10653833 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between gut bacteria and brain inflammation in individuals who use opioids and are infected with HIV. It focuses on how changes in gut microbiome can lead to inflammation in the central nervous system, potentially worsening cognitive issues. The study examines the role of specific bacterial products in activating immune responses in the brain, which may contribute to neurocognitive disorders. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for improving brain health in affected patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also have a history of opioid use.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or a history of opioid use are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce brain inflammation and improve cognitive function in patients with HIV and opioid use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain connection, but this specific approach focusing on opioid use and HIV is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Coral Gables, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immuno-Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunologic Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.