How proBDNF and its receptor p75NTR may cause nerve and synapse damage in people with HIV
Role of proBNDF and p75NTR in HIV-mediated Axonal/Dendritic Degeneration
['FUNDING_R01'] · GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11194522
This work looks at whether a brain protein called proBDNF and its receptor p75NTR drive loss of nerve connections that contribute to thinking and memory problems in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11194522 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are following a chain of events in which the HIV protein gp120 interferes with normal processing of BDNF, leading to build-up of proBDNF that can activate the p75NTR receptor and harm synapses. They use laboratory models—including gp120 transgenic mice—and cellular and molecular experiments to see how removing or changing p75NTR affects dendrites and synapses. The team analyzes brain tissue and molecular pathways to map how gp120 ultimately causes synapto-dendritic degeneration. Results will help point to biological targets that could be tested in future treatments for HIV-associated cognitive problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are experiencing memory, thinking, or motor changes (signs of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder) or who are interested in contributing biological samples to brain-focused research would be the most directly relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those whose cognitive symptoms are caused by other diseases unrelated to HIV proteins are unlikely to benefit directly from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal targets to prevent or reverse nerve and synapse damage and reduce cognitive symptoms in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work, including the investigators' prior mouse studies, showed that reducing p75NTR can rescue synapse loss caused by gp120, but this approach has not yet been tested in people.
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus