How poly-substance use affects brain cells and HIV latency
Official title: The impact of poly-substance use on the crosstalk between microglia, astrocytes, and neurons that regulates HIV latency
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11088878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using different drugs together affects brain cells in people with HIV, especially how it might keep the virus hidden in the brain and impact thinking and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $708,638 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA060489-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also engage in poly-substance use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or do not use multiple substances may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the use of multiple substances impacts the communication between brain cells, specifically microglia, astrocytes, and neurons, in the context of HIV latency. By using advanced techniques to derive these cells from induced pluripotent stem cells, the study aims to understand how poly-substance exposure can influence HIV's ability to remain dormant in the brain. The researchers will conduct experiments using various cell cultures to observe the effects of substances like methamphetamine on HIV reactivation and neuronal health. This approach could provide insights into the mechanisms behind HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders in individuals with HIV who also use multiple substances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing HIV latency and reducing neurocognitive disorders in patients with HIV who use multiple substances.
How similar studies have gone: While the intersection of HIV and poly-substance use is a relatively novel area of research, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the effects of individual substances on HIV latency.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karn, Jonathan — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Karn, Jonathan
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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.