Investigating how cocaine and HIV-1 affect brain inflammation
AIM(2)ing at the inflammasome: Impact of MAVS signaling in cocaine-and HIV-1 induced neuroinflammation
This study looks at how using cocaine might affect the brain's ability to fight off HIV-1 by changing the way certain brain cells work, which could lead to more inflammation and damage for people living with HIV-1 who use cocaine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11044116 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of cocaine use on the immune response to HIV-1 in the brain. It focuses on how cocaine alters the function of astrocytes, which are crucial for protecting the central nervous system from toxicity and inflammation. By examining the role of specific proteins involved in immune signaling, the study aims to understand the mechanisms that lead to increased neurotoxicity and inflammation in patients with HIV-1 who use cocaine. The approach includes analyzing cellular responses and signaling pathways in astrocytes exposed to both cocaine and HIV-1.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV-1 who also have a history of cocaine use.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV-1 or a history of cocaine use may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to mitigate neuroinflammation and improve outcomes for patients with HIV-1 who also use cocaine.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of cocaine and HIV-1 in this context is novel, previous research has shown that targeting inflammatory pathways can be beneficial in managing neuroinflammation.
Where this research is happening
Galveston, United States
- University of Texas Med Br Galveston — Galveston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cisneros, Irma — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Cisneros, Irma
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.