How HIV and opioids damage brain cells and ways to stop it
Disentangling the HIV/opioid intertwined mechanisms on mitochondrial mediated inflammasome activation, neurotoxicity and targeting strategies: In vivo and in vitro analyses of fresh human brain
This project looks at how HIV plus opioid use can trigger mitochondrial-driven inflammation that harms brain cells, with the goal of finding targets to protect thinking and memory in people with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321539 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine fresh and archived human brain tissue from people with and without HIV, including careful information about opioid use and cognitive status. They will use neuropathology, ex vivo brain-tissue experiments, and cell-based (in vitro) tests to track mitochondrial damage, inflammasome activation, and gasdermin E–linked cell death. The team combines expertise in virology, inflammasome biology, pharmacology, neuropsychology, and biostatistics to link molecular findings to clinical histories. The overall aim is to identify molecular mechanisms and potential intervention targets that could guide future therapies to protect cognition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HIV—particularly those with a history of opioid use and signs of cognitive impairment, or families willing to donate brain tissue—are the most relevant candidates for participation or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without HIV, those without opioid exposure, or anyone seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal drug targets to reduce neuroinflammation and help preserve thinking and memory in people living with HIV, especially those who use opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and cell studies have linked HIV proteins and inflammation to neuronal damage, but using fresh human brain tissue to study the combined effects of HIV and opioids is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaillon, Antoine — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Chaillon, Antoine
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.