Investigating how HIV treatment affects brain cell development
Official title: Stress Granule Formation in the Antiretroviral-Mediated Dysregulation of Oligodendrocyte Maturation in HIV-HAND
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10914660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV treatment affects brain cells that help keep your mind healthy, and it aims to find ways to improve brain health for people living with HIV who are on this treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH134723-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing neurocognitive impairments or are at risk for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND).
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not exhibit any cognitive impairments related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how antiretroviral therapy (ART) impacts the maturation of oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for maintaining healthy brain function in individuals living with HIV. It examines the relationship between ART and the formation of stress granules in these cells, which may hinder their development and contribute to neurocognitive disorders. By exploring the mechanisms behind these effects, the study aims to identify potential interventions that could improve brain health in patients undergoing ART.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance brain health and cognitive function in individuals living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that ART can negatively impact oligodendrocyte maturation, indicating that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary for understanding HAND.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Von Krusenstiern, Eliana Vera — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Von Krusenstiern, Eliana Vera
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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.