Lasting immune changes in the brain and nervous system of people with HIV
Decoding epigenetic scars of smoldering neuroinflammation and CNS complications in people with HIV
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11328871
Looking at whether lasting immune changes in the brain contribute to thinking and memory problems in people living with HIV on treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11328871 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how HIV may leave lasting "epigenetic scars" on immune cells in the brain and spinal fluid that could drive ongoing inflammation and cognitive problems. Researchers will collect cerebrospinal fluid and blood from people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy, isolate rare myeloid (microglia-like) cells, and read their single-cell epigenetic and genomic signatures. They will compare people with and without cognitive symptoms and check whether viral DNA or altered epigenetic patterns persist in the central nervous system despite apparent viral suppression. The team aims to map these epigenetic changes and point to targets or biomarkers that could guide new treatments or monitoring for brain health in people with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy, especially those experiencing cognitive symptoms and willing to undergo blood draws and lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid collection.
Not a fit: People without HIV, those unwilling or unable to undergo lumbar puncture, or individuals whose cognitive problems are due to other known neurological diseases may not benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify biomarkers or therapeutic targets to reduce brain inflammation and protect thinking and memory in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-cell CSF studies have found rare myeloid cells and epigenetic changes in people with HIV, but comprehensive mapping of CNS myeloid epigenomes in this setting is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CORLEY, MICHAEL JAY — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: CORLEY, MICHAEL JAY
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus