Investigating how inflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption affect depression in people with HIV.
Official title: Inflammation, BBB disruption, and Reward Function in the Pathogenesis of Depression among PWH
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11036543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation from HIV might affect the brain's protective barrier and contribute to feelings of sadness or lack of pleasure in people living with HIV and depression, to help us better understand the connection between these conditions.
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 | February 20, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $632,077 |
| NIH project number | 7R01MH131207-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036543 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing symptoms of depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or who do not experience depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between inflammation, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and reward functions in individuals living with HIV who also experience depression. The study aims to understand how systemic inflammation from HIV can lead to changes in the BBB, which may contribute to depressive symptoms such as anhedonia. By using a specialized in vitro model of the human BBB, researchers will analyze how immune cells from HIV patients interact with the BBB and how this affects brain function related to reward. This could provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms linking HIV and depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing depression in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between inflammation and depression, but this specific approach focusing on HIV is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gabbay, Vilma — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Gabbay, Vilma
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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.