Immune protection against HIV-related dementia
Neuroprotective Immunity and HIV Dementia
Looking at whether certain immune responses can protect the brain from dementia in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team developed a lab model that combines HIV infection with Alzheimer’s-like brain changes to study how aging and HIV treatment affect the brain. They focus on how specific immune cells—including amyloid β (Aβ)-reactive helper T cells (Th1 and Th17)—can drive harmful brain inflammation that may worsen thinking and memory. Using this model, researchers will test how antiretroviral therapy, immune responses, and aging interact to cause neurodegeneration and will try interventions that protect neurons. The goal is to use findings from the model to guide new therapies and biomarkers that could eventually be tested in people living with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are older or who report memory, thinking, or other cognitive problems—especially those on long-term antiretroviral therapy—would be the most relevant candidates for related future studies.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those whose cognitive symptoms stem from unrelated causes (for example, stroke or psychiatric conditions) are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new ways to prevent or treat cognitive decline in people aging with HIV by targeting harmful brain inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked immune-driven inflammation to neuroHIV and Alzheimer's, but this project uses a newly developed combined model and translation to humans remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gendelman, Howard E — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gendelman, Howard E
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.