Investigating how HIV and methamphetamine affect brain inflammation
Official title: Epigenetic regulation of astrocyte-specific NLRP6 inflammasome and PANoptosis in HIV Tat and methamphetamine-mediated neuroinflammation
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11124795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and methamphetamine use affect inflammation in the brain, especially focusing on certain brain cells, to find new ways to help people dealing with both HIV and substance abuse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,793 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA060753-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124795 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 methamphetamine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or a history of methamphetamine use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interaction between HIV infection and methamphetamine abuse, focusing on how these factors contribute to inflammation in the brain. It aims to understand the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in activating specific inflammasomes that lead to neuroinflammation. By using various laboratory techniques, including in vitro and in vivo models, the study seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind this process. The ultimate goal is to identify potential new treatments that could help reduce neuroinflammation in individuals affected by both HIV and substance abuse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to alleviate neuroinflammation in patients with HIV and substance abuse issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuroinflammation related to HIV, but the specific focus on astrocyte inflammasomes in the context of methamphetamine use is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Periyasamy, Palsamy — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Periyasamy, Palsamy
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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.