Investigating how opioid treatment affects HIV persistence and immune activation
Effects of Mu-opiate receptor engagement on the persistence of HIV-associated activation and viral reservoirs in individuals receiving medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder
This study is looking at how different treatments for opioid use disorder, like methadone or naltrexone, affect the immune system and HIV levels in people who are living with both conditions, to help improve HIV care for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10621847 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of mu-opioid receptor engagement on immune activation and the persistence of HIV in individuals receiving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Participants will be divided into groups based on their treatment with either opioid agonists like methadone or buprenorphine, or an antagonist like long-acting naltrexone. By analyzing blood and rectal mucosa samples, the study aims to understand how these treatments influence HIV viral reservoirs and immune responses. This could provide insights into optimizing HIV treatment strategies for those with opioid use disorder.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include HIV-infected individuals with opioid use disorder who are receiving medication-assisted treatment and have maintained viral suppression for over 12 months.
Not a fit: Patients who are not HIV-infected or those without opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols for HIV-infected individuals with opioid use disorder, potentially reducing viral persistence and enhancing immune function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that opioid treatment can influence immune responses in HIV-infected individuals, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Wistar Institute — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Montaner, Luis J — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Montaner, Luis 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 below.