How the LRRK2 gene affects immune and brain inflammation in HIV-like infection
Role of LRRK2 in immunity in a nonhuman primate model of SIV
This project looks at whether the LRRK2 protein changes immune responses and brain inflammation after an HIV-like infection to help people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140403 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use macaques infected with SIV (an HIV-like virus) to see whether SIV increases LRRK2 levels in blood and brain. They will compare animals with normal LRRK2 function to animals with reduced LRRK2 to observe effects on antiviral immune signaling, viral pathogenesis, and neuroinflammation. The team will measure antiviral cytokines, markers of brain inflammation, and related tissue changes to link LRRK2 activity to disease features. Findings will help decide whether targeting LRRK2 could be a path toward therapies that lower brain inflammation in people with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal patients for future related trials would be adults living with HIV who have signs of chronic immune activation or neurocognitive impairment.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those with well-controlled infection and no neurocognitive symptoms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify LRRK2 as a new target to reduce neuroinflammation and cognitive problems in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked LRRK2 to immune responses and Parkinson's disease, but using an SIV macaque model to study LRRK2's role in viral neuroinflammation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vail, Krystal — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Vail, Krystal
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.