Investigating brain disorders related to HIV at the cellular level
Exploring HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND) and HIV Latency at the Single Cell Level in Cerebral Organoids
This study is looking at how HIV affects the brain, especially the brain's immune cells and nerve cells, by creating tiny brain models to see how they interact and how HIV causes ongoing inflammation, which could help improve treatment for people living with HIV who have memory or thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10678898 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) by examining how HIV affects brain cells, particularly microglia and neurons. Using advanced techniques, researchers will create cerebral organoids—miniature brain-like structures—to study the interactions between these cells and the impact of HIV infection. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind chronic inflammation in the brain that persists even when the virus is suppressed by treatment. This could lead to new insights into how to better manage or treat cognitive disorders in HIV-infected individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing cognitive difficulties or neurocognitive disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not exhibit any cognitive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive disorders in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using organoid models to study brain disorders, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- J. David Gladstone Institutes — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ott, Melanie Maria — J. David Gladstone Institutes
- Study coordinator: Ott, Melanie Maria
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.