How opioid receptors in brain cells affect HIV-related nerve damage
Official title: The influence of astroglial mu opioid receptors in opioid potentiation of HIV neuropathogenesis
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11097194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells respond to opioids and how this might make cognitive problems and inflammation worse for people living with HIV, with the goal of finding new ways to help reduce these negative effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $187,151 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DA059324-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097194 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also have a history of opioid use or opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or do not have a history of opioid use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mu-opioid receptors in astroglial cells and how they influence the interaction between opioid use and HIV-related neurological damage. The study aims to understand how opioids can worsen cognitive deficits and inflammation in individuals living with HIV, particularly focusing on the effects of the viral protein HIV-Tat in the brain. By examining the signaling pathways involved, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could mitigate the negative effects of opioid use in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with HIV who also struggle with opioid use disorder, potentially enhancing their cognitive function and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on astroglial mu-opioid receptors in the context of HIV neuropathogenesis is novel, there have been successful studies exploring the interactions between opioids and HIV in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nass, Sara — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Nass, Sara
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.