How opiates and HIV infection affect brain immune cells
Synergistic Mechanisms of chronic Innate Immune Activation in Microglia by Opiates and HIV Infection
This study is looking at how HIV and opioid use affect brain cells, especially in people who might be experiencing memory and thinking problems, to help us understand why these issues happen and how they might be connected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10835011 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of chronic immune activation caused by HIV infection and opiate use on brain cells, particularly focusing on microglia, neurons, and astrocytes. By creating specialized cell cultures that mimic the human brain environment, the study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms linking opioid-use disorder and HIV-related neurocognitive disorders. The research employs advanced techniques, including single-cell transcriptomics, to analyze how these conditions interact at a cellular level. This could provide insights into the increased neuroinflammation and cognitive decline observed in individuals with both HIV and opioid-use disorder.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also have a history of opioid use.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or opioid-use disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive disorders in patients with HIV and opioid-use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored the effects of HIV and opioid use separately, this research aims to provide novel insights into their combined impact on brain health.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gummuluru, Suryaram — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Gummuluru, Suryaram
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.