Investigating how HIV proteins and alcohol affect brain inflammation
Official title: HIV Tat and alcohol-mediated activation of astrocytes involves ER stress/NLRP6 inflammasome axis
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11054690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV proteins and alcohol might affect brain inflammation and thinking skills in people living with HIV, to find ways to help improve their cognitive health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AA031444-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who are living with HIV and have a history of alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of HIV proteins, specifically the Transactivator of Transcription (Tat), and alcohol on brain inflammation in individuals living with HIV. It focuses on how these factors contribute to cognitive decline, known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The study examines the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in this process and investigates whether alcohol exacerbates inflammation caused by HIV proteins. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive health in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive decline in people living with HIV who also struggle with alcohol use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting neuroinflammation may be a promising approach for addressing cognitive decline in HIV-infected individuals, suggesting potential success for this study's approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Seema — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Singh, Seema
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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.