Investigating how HIV affects brain immune cells and causes inflammation
Persistent HIV-1 expression and microglia dysfunction
This study is looking at how HIV affects brain immune cells called microglia, which are important for keeping our brains healthy, to find out why inflammation and brain issues can still happen in people with HIV, even when they are on treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092003 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how HIV-1 affects microglia, the immune cells in the brain, which play a crucial role in maintaining brain health. The study aims to explore how HIV persists in these cells and leads to inflammation and potential neurodegeneration, even in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. By using a specialized model that combines microglia and neurons derived from stem cells, researchers will investigate the mechanisms that drive microglia dysfunction and inflammation associated with HIV. This could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies to protect brain health in individuals living with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those experiencing neurological symptoms or cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or those without neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that protect brain function in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting microglia can lead to significant advancements in understanding neuroinflammation, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henderson, Andrew J — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Henderson, Andrew J
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.