Investigating how HIV proteins and cocaine affect brain inflammation and cell death.
Official title: Molecular interplay of HIV Tat, cocaine, and cART in microglial pyroptosis: Role of NLRP3 inflammasome
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11055727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV proteins, cocaine use, and HIV medications affect inflammation and cell health in the brain, with the goal of finding better ways to treat brain-related issues for people living with HIV.
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 | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $490,172 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA062274-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055727 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV who are also experiencing neurological issues and may have a history of cocaine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or do not have neurological complications related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the complex interactions between HIV proteins, cocaine use, and antiretroviral therapy in causing inflammation and cell death in the brain. It focuses on understanding how these factors contribute to neuroinflammation, particularly through the activation of microglial cells and the NLRP3 inflammasome. By studying these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to mitigate neurological complications associated with HIV. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management strategies for neurological complications in HIV patients, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting neuroinflammation can lead to significant improvements in managing HIV-associated neurological disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buch, Shilpa J. — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Buch, Shilpa J.
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.