Improving brain function in HIV-infected individuals

Functional Cure of HIV Neurocognitive Disease by Induction of Innate Immunity

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10671714

This study is looking at a new way to help improve brain function in people with HIV-related memory and thinking problems by testing a treatment that boosts the immune system, hoping to find better solutions for managing these challenges.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10671714 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance brain function in individuals with HIV-related cognitive impairments. By using a treatment called poly I:C, which stimulates the innate immune system, the study aims to reduce the virus in the brain and restore cognitive abilities in mice that model human HIV infection. The researchers will analyze changes in gene expression and identify specific brain cells that contribute to protective immunity. The ultimate goal is to find a functional cure for HIV neurocognitive disease that complements existing therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who experience cognitive impairments.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or do not have cognitive impairments related to HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive function and quality of life for individuals living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using immune system stimulation to address cognitive impairments in HIV, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bacterial Infectionsbacteria infectionbacterial diseaseCognition Disorderscognitive disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.