How HIV-1 affects brain cells and contributes to neurotoxicity
Official title: The interplay between HIV-1 and amyloid precursor protein in infection and neurotoxicity
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11042138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV-1 affects brain cells and immune cells in the brain, hoping to find new ways to help people with cognitive issues related to HIV, like memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $627,317 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131094-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV-1, particularly those experiencing cognitive difficulties or neurocognitive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 or those without any cognitive impairments related to HIV-1 are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interaction between HIV-1 and brain cells, particularly focusing on how the virus infects immune cells in the central nervous system. It aims to understand the replication strategies of HIV-1 in these cells and the resulting neurotoxic environment that can lead to cognitive disorders in patients. By studying the cytokines and toxic products secreted by infected brain-resident immune cells, the research seeks to uncover potential targets for new treatments. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms behind HIV-1-associated dementia and other neurocognitive disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat neurocognitive disorders in individuals living with HIV-1.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurotoxic effects of HIV-1, but this specific approach to studying brain-resident immune cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naghavi, Mojgan Hosseini — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Naghavi, Mojgan Hosseini
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.