How stimulant-driven dopamine harms the brain in people with HIV
Defining molecular mechanisms by which stimulant evoked dopamine drives inflammation and neuronal dysfunction in neuroHIV
Researchers will look at how dopamine released by stimulants like meth and cocaine can raise brain inflammation and damage nerve cell function in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11364823 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses lab models of brain immune cells (microglia), 3-D cell systems, and molecular tests to see how high dopamine levels from stimulant use change HIV entry, inflammation, and neuronal function. The team will measure inflammatory signals (cytokines), activation pathways such as NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome, and changes in gene regulation with techniques like ATAC-seq. Some work builds on non-human primate central nervous system samples to link lab findings to whole-organism biology. The goal is to define the chain of events from stimulant-driven dopamine to myeloid inflammation and downstream neuronal dysfunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who currently use or have a history of stimulant use (methamphetamine or cocaine) would be the most relevant candidates for sample donation or future participation.
Not a fit: People without HIV or people with HIV who have never used stimulants are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to reduce stimulant-driven brain inflammation and protect thinking and mood in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies support that stimulant-driven dopamine increases HIV entry into myeloid cells and promotes inflammation, but translating these findings into human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaskill, Peter Jesse — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Gaskill, Peter Jesse
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.