Investigating how tunneling nanotubes spread HIV and affect brain health
Official title: Tunneling nanotubes are a novel mechanism for the propagation of HIV infection and neurodegeneration
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11009288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny structures called tunneling nanotubes help HIV spread in the brain and may lead to memory and thinking problems for people living with HIV, so we can find better ways to understand and treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $197,345 |
| NIH project number | 1K01NS137812-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for neurodegeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or do not have cognitive impairment related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in the spread of HIV within the central nervous system (CNS) and their contribution to cognitive decline in individuals living with HIV. By examining how these structures facilitate communication between infected and uninfected cells, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms of HIV infection and neurodegeneration. The approach involves detailed cellular analysis to understand the dynamics of TNTs and their impact on HIV propagation and brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent cognitive decline in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of tunneling nanotubes is relatively novel, preliminary studies suggest that similar mechanisms of viral spread have shown promise in understanding other viral infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valdebenito-Silva, Silvana a — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Valdebenito-Silva, Silvana a
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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.