How methamphetamine and immune signals affect the brain in people with HIV
Molecular Pathways of Innate Immunity and Substance Abuse in NeuroHIV
This project tests whether methamphetamine together with HIV turns on a specific immune alarm pathway (cGAS/STING) in brain cells of people living with HIV who use methamphetamine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11364824 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study brain immune cells called microglia and astrocytes to see how HIV and methamphetamine change their behavior. They will use lab-grown cells and animal models and measure gene activity and microscopy under realistic antiretroviral drug concentrations. The team will focus on the cGAS/STING innate immune pathway and the cellular crosstalk between HIV-infected and uninfected brain cells. Their work aims to explain why people with HIV who use meth often have ongoing brain inflammation and cognitive problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV—particularly those who currently or recently use methamphetamine or who have HIV-associated neurocognitive symptoms—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV or without a history of methamphetamine use are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce brain inflammation and cognitive problems in people living with HIV who use methamphetamine.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked the cGAS/STING pathway to brain inflammation, but applying this to the combined effects of HIV, methamphetamine, and real-world antiretroviral drug levels is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Inacio Mamede, Joao Filipe — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Inacio Mamede, Joao Filipe
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.