Inflammation and mood/movement issues in people with HIV linked to a next-generation TNF blocker
Official title: The Role of Inflammation in CNS Mechanisms of Anhedonia and Psychomotor Slowing in Depressed PWH as Determined using a Next Generation TNF Antagonist
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11412638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to see how inflammation affects anhedonia and slow movement in people with HIV when treated with a next-generation TNF blocker.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $618,864 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH128872-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HIV who have depression and signs of increased inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HIV or without depressive symptoms or inflammation may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This study looks at adults living with HIV who experience depression and symptoms like anhedonia and slow thinking/motor actions. Researchers will examine brain connections and inflammation markers to understand how inflammation relates to mood and movement symptoms. Participants may undergo imaging tests, blood tests, and monitoring of mood and cognitive function while receiving the TNF antagonist therapy. The goal is to identify whether reducing inflammation improves depressive symptoms and related brain activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new anti-inflammatory treatment options to help depression and cognitive symptoms in people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in HIV-negative depression suggests inflammation relates to brain circuits of mood and movement, offering a promising direction for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Felger, Jennifer C — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Felger, Jennifer C
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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.