Investigating how HIV affects the human brain using brain tissue cultures

Adult human brain tissue cultures to study neuroHIV

['FUNDING_R21'] · DREXEL UNIVERSITY · NIH-10817140

This study is looking at how HIV affects thinking and memory by using brain tissue from donors, and it aims to help find better treatments for people dealing with cognitive issues related to HIV.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDREXEL UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10817140 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the effects of HIV on cognitive function by using human brain tissue cultures. By collaborating with neurosurgeons, the team will obtain normal human brain tissues and study how HIV interacts with these cells. They will isolate specific immune cells from donors, infect them with HIV, and observe the effects on brain cultures. This approach aims to create a more accurate model of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, which could lead to better therapies for affected patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are HIV-positive and experiencing cognitive impairments.

Not a fit: Patients who are HIV-negative or do not have cognitive impairments related to HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function in patients living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research on HIV and cognitive disorders, this specific approach using human brain tissue cultures is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.