How HIV-related inflammation changes the brain in depression
Identifying Unique Neural and Inflammatory Mechanisms of Depression in People Living with HIV
This project looks at whether inflammation linked to HIV changes brain circuits involved in depression for people with and without HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11326306 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to join one of four groups: people living with HIV (with and without depression) and people without HIV (with and without depression), with about 280 participants total. Visits include resting and task-based MRI scans to map brain connectivity and emotional processing, plus blood tests to measure inflammation, NF-κB activity, and tryptophan breakdown. The study is cross-sectional, meaning each person is seen at one time point and the teams compare the groups to find patterns. Researchers aim to link blood inflammation signals with specific brain network changes tied to depression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV, both those who have clinical depression and those who do not, as well as people without HIV with and without depression, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People who need immediate treatment changes, children, or anyone unable to undergo MRI (for example due to implanted metal devices or severe claustrophobia) may not directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to biomarkers and new treatment targets to improve depression care for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies link inflammation to depression in general, but combining advanced brain imaging with inflammatory and tryptophan metabolism measures specifically in people living with HIV is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brooks, John O — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Brooks, John O
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.