Investigating how HIV and methamphetamine use affect depression through gut and brain interactions
Official title: Inflammasome Activation and Gut-Brain Axis Dysregulation in HIV and Methamphetamine-Associated Depression
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11056759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV, methamphetamine use, and depression are connected, especially how they affect the gut and brain communication, and it’s designed for people interested in understanding the effects of these factors on mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $575,379 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059849-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056759 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 and are experiencing symptoms of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or methamphetamine use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between HIV, methamphetamine use, and depression by examining how these factors activate the inflammasome, a part of the immune system. It focuses on the gut-brain axis, which is the communication pathway between the gut and the brain, and how disruptions in this system can lead to neuroinflammation and depression. Using a humanized mouse model, the study will track the sequence of events from HIV infection and methamphetamine exposure to the development of depression, aiming to uncover the underlying mechanisms involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for depression in individuals with HIV and methamphetamine use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of HIV, methamphetamine, and depression is less explored, related research on the gut-brain axis and neuroinflammation has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Toborek, Michal — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Toborek, Michal
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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.