Investigating how HIV and cocaine exposure affect brain inflammation and cell behavior
Official title: The Role of Endothelial Injury and Myeloid Cell Migration in the Activation of Inflammasomes in HIV infection and Cocaine Exposure
Funded at Howard University · NIH-10808017 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and cocaine use might cause inflammation in the brain and affect immune cells, which could lead to thinking and memory problems for people living with HIV, and it aims to find new ways to help prevent these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Howard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA059784-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10808017 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who may also have a history of cocaine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or do not use cocaine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of HIV infection and cocaine use on brain inflammation and the behavior of immune cells. It focuses on how HIV proteins and cocaine can activate inflammasomes, which are critical in the inflammatory response, potentially leading to neurocognitive disorders in people living with HIV. The study uses animal models to examine the interaction between HIV, cocaine, and the immune system, particularly looking at how these factors influence the migration of immune cells and the integrity of blood vessels in the brain. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for preventing neuroinflammation in HIV-infected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for preventing neurocognitive disorders in individuals living with HIV who also use cocaine.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interactions being studied are novel, previous research has shown that both HIV and cocaine can independently affect neuroinflammation, suggesting potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Howard University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nekhai, Sergei — Howard University
- Study coordinator: Nekhai, Sergei
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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.