Investigating how HIV-1 infection and antiretroviral therapy affect brain function
Official title: The effects of cART and HIV-1 infection on neural circuitry
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11010369 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV-1 infection and the treatment for it can affect thinking and memory by using special imaging techniques on mice to see how their brains work, which could help us understand similar challenges in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $623,533 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134776-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010369 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV-1 who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV-1 and are not using antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of HIV-1 infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on cognitive function by examining changes in brain circuitry. Using advanced 3D imaging techniques, the study aims to create detailed maps of neuronal activation in mice to identify how these factors influence brain activity. The researchers will analyze the effects of prolonged ART and HIV-1 infection on neural pathways, particularly in relation to cognitive challenges. This approach may help uncover the underlying mechanisms of cognitive deficits observed in individuals undergoing ART.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for cognitive impairments in individuals with HIV-1.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding neural circuitry can lead to significant advancements in treating cognitive deficits, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Enikolopov, Grigori N — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Enikolopov, Grigori N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
BEAT-HIV: a collaborative effort to cure HIV with immunotherapy
A multi-institution study is testing a combination immunotherapy approach to achieve long-term HIV remission or cure for people on ART.
-
Phosphatidylserine-targeting antibodies and T cell function in HIV-1 infection
This NIH grant will explore how antibodies that target phosphatidylserine affect immune cells in people living with HIV on ART.
-
Ribosomal frameshifting in HIV-1 infection and its effects on inflammation and brain health
A study at the University of Rochester will explore how HIV-1 may change human cell machinery to boost its own replication and cause inflammation and brain-related problems.
-
Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome to protect HIV patients from stroke
A small NIH grant will explore whether HIV infection makes stroke worse and whether blocking a brain inflammation pathway (NLRP3) could protect brain tissue.
-
Reprogramming tissue immune cells (macrophages) to target hidden HIV
Trying small drug molecules to reprogram tissue immune cells so infected cells die and hidden HIV is reduced in people living with HIV.
-
EHD4 protein and HIV-1 infection: a new potential antiviral target
A study to understand how the human protein EHD4 affects HIV-1 infection and whether it could be targeted to develop better antiviral therapies.
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.