Immune and brain links to depression in women with HIV
The Neuroimmunology of Depression in Women Living With HIV
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11191511
This work looks at how immune changes and brain chemistry may cause depression and loss of pleasure in women living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11191511 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a woman with HIV, joining would mean the team uses an existing group of well-characterized women to compare those with and without depression. They will measure blood immune markers (like cytokines and kynurenine), brain antioxidant levels such as glutathione, and GABA levels along with reward-system brain measures using imaging and other tests. The study connects these immune and neurochemical changes with symptoms such as anhedonia and depressive severity. Most visits involve blood draws, brain scans, and questionnaires at participating clinical sites over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult women living with HIV (generally age 21 and older), especially those experiencing depressive symptoms or loss of pleasure.
Not a fit: People without HIV, men, or individuals without depression symptoms are not the focus and are unlikely to benefit directly from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to biological targets for better treatments to reduce depression and suicidal risk in women living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked inflammation and the kynurenine pathway to depression in people with HIV, but combining immune markers with brain glutathione/GABA measures and reward imaging in women is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GABBAY, VILMA — UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: GABBAY, VILMA
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, Affective Disorders