Investigating how HIV and cocaine affect brain immune cells
Official title: Multimodal profiling of microglia during HIV infection and substance use disorder
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10933539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and cocaine use affect certain immune cells in the brain, with the goal of finding new ways to help people living with HIV avoid long-term brain problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $528,286 |
| NIH project number | 5R61DA059917-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933539 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also have a history of cocaine use or substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or substance use disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of HIV infection and substance use disorders, particularly cocaine, on immune cells in the brain called microglia and macrophages. It aims to understand how HIV expression in these cells may lead to long-term neuropsychiatric damage, especially in individuals living with HIV. By examining the interplay between HIV and cocaine, the study seeks to identify potential new treatment targets that could improve patient outcomes. The research employs advanced techniques to profile these immune cells and their inflammatory states in response to HIV and cocaine exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for neuropsychiatric issues in patients with HIV and substance use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While some research has indicated the impact of cocaine on HIV dynamics, this study aims to fill significant knowledge gaps, making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jordan-Sciutto, Kelly L — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Jordan-Sciutto, Kelly L
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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.