How HIV and methamphetamine trigger inflammation in brain support cells
Epigenetic regulation of astrocyte-specific NLRP6 inflammasome and PANoptosis in HIV Tat and methamphetamine-mediated neuroinflammation
This work looks at how the HIV protein Tat and methamphetamine cause harmful inflammation in brain support cells that can worsen thinking problems in people with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320900 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use lab-grown cells, pieces of brain tissue, and animal models to see how HIV Tat and methamphetamine turn on a specific inflammation pathway (the NLRP6 inflammasome) in astrocytes. They will study epigenetic changes that switch this pathway on and how that leads to a form of cell death called PANoptosis. The team aims to map the molecular steps that cause neuroinflammation so future treatments can target these steps and protect brain function. Work combines experiments in cells (in vitro), patient-derived or ex vivo tissue, and whole-animal (in vivo) models to build a complete picture.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who have cognitive symptoms or a history of methamphetamine use would be most relevant to this line of research.
Not a fit: People without HIV, or whose cognitive problems are due to other causes, are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new drug targets to reduce brain inflammation and help preserve thinking and memory in people living with HIV, especially those who use methamphetamine.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies link inflammasomes to NeuroHIV and substance use, but focusing on astrocyte-specific NLRP6 and PANoptosis is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Periyasamy, Palsamy — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Periyasamy, Palsamy
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.