How opioids affect hidden HIV in the brain
Probing the effect of opioids on HIV transcription and latency using a novel dual fluorescent and bioluminescent virus
Scientists will use a new light-up version of HIV to see whether opioid drugs can wake up hidden HIV in brain cells, relevant to people living with HIV who use or are prescribed opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320856 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a specially engineered EcoHIV virus that gives off fluorescent and bioluminescent signals when HIV genes are active so researchers can watch reactivation in real time. The team will expose brain immune cells called astrocytes and microglia in laboratory models (and in animal models as needed) to opioids such as methadone to track changes in HIV transcription. They will follow the glowing signals and study the cell pathways involved, including factors like AP-1, to understand how opioids might promote viral reactivation. The overall aim is to link opioid exposure to reactivation of the brain HIV reservoir and to inform safer pain-management and harm-reduction choices for people with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who use or are prescribed opioid medications, or who have neurological symptoms possibly related to HIV, would be the most relevant group for the findings and any sample-donation opportunities.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those who neither use nor are exposed to opioids are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal whether opioid use increases the risk that hidden HIV in the brain becomes active, helping guide safer opioid prescribing and harm-reduction for people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab data suggest opioids like methadone can increase HIV gene activity, but using a dual fluorescent/bioluminescent virus to track reactivation in brain cells is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- Georgetown University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mocchetti, Italo — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Mocchetti, Italo
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.