Investigating the effects of cannabidiol on chronic inflammation in HIV-infected monkeys
Official title: Cannabidiol and Macrophage Chronic Inflammation in a Virally Suppressed Rhesus Macaque Model
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11087905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how CBD, a natural compound from cannabis, might help reduce inflammation in monkeys with HIV, which could lead to new ways to improve treatment for people living with the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $640,462 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DA052859-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals living with HIV who experience chronic inflammation despite being on antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not experience chronic inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, can help reduce chronic inflammation associated with HIV infection in a model using rhesus macaques. The study focuses on understanding the role of myeloid cells, such as macrophages, in this inflammation and how CBD might modulate their activity. By administering CBD to virally suppressed monkeys, researchers aim to assess its anti-inflammatory effects and its potential to improve immune responses in the context of HIV treatment. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing inflammation in HIV patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new anti-inflammatory treatments that improve the health and quality of life for individuals living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of cannabinoids for inflammation is a growing area of interest, this specific approach using CBD in an SIV/macaque model is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Dionna Whitney — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Williams, Dionna Whitney
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.