Investigating how opioids affect HIV infection and latency in the brain
Official title: Probing the effect of opioids on HIV transcription and latency using a novel dual fluorescent and bioluminescent virus
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11167237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how opioids might affect HIV in the brain, especially how they could make the virus more active, and it's designed for people living with HIV who also use opioids to help improve their treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA063110-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167237 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV who also use opioids for pain management or harm reduction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or are not using opioids may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of opioids on HIV infection, particularly focusing on how these substances may influence the virus's behavior in the brain. It aims to understand the mechanisms by which opioids could enhance HIV transcription and potentially reactivate latent viral reservoirs in glial cells. The study employs a novel virus that allows researchers to visualize HIV activity in real-time, providing insights into the relationship between opioid use and HIV-related cognitive disorders. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to inform better treatment strategies for individuals living with HIV who also use opioids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of HIV in patients who use opioids, potentially reducing the impact of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that opioids can influence HIV activity, but this specific approach using a dual fluorescent and bioluminescent virus is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mocchetti, Italo — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Mocchetti, Italo
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.