How HIV infection affects pain sensitivity through inflammation

Inflammation associated with HIV infection: role of receptor cross-talk

NIH-funded research Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10663176

This study is looking at how HIV might make people feel more pain, especially for those who use opiate drugs, and it will test if morphine can help ease that pain.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTemple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10663176 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the link between HIV infection and increased pain sensitivity, particularly in individuals who abuse opiate drugs. It explores how HIV causes inflammation in the brain, which may lead to heightened pain responses by affecting opioid receptors. Using mouse models, the study will examine the role of HIV proteins in inducing neuroinflammation and assess whether morphine can help alleviate this pain. The findings aim to improve understanding of pain management in HIV-infected patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, especially those who have a history of intravenous drug use and experience neuropathic pain.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or do not have a history of opiate abuse may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better pain management strategies for patients with HIV, particularly those with a history of opiate abuse.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that inflammation plays a significant role in pain sensitivity, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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 2026-06-15 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.