Monocytes, brain inflammation, and HIV-related dementia
Official title: Monocyte Traffic and Neuropathogenesis of AIDS
Funded at Boston College · NIH-11469760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how immune cells in the blood and brain contribute to HIV-related brain problems even when HIV is well controlled on therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 1999 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,015,802 |
| NIH project number | 2R01NS040237-22 |
| Project ID | NIH-11469760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
HIV-positive individuals on durable ART who may experience HAND symptoms or be at risk for cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without HAND symptoms or those not affected by CNS HIV reservoirs may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
People living with HIV on effective ART still experience brain changes that can affect memory and thinking. The project investigates how monocytes and macrophages in blood and the central nervous system may carry HIV and drive ongoing inflammation leading to HAND. By studying mechanisms in human-relevant models and prior SIV data, the work aims to identify how CNS reservoirs form, persist, and respond to ART. Understanding these processes could guide new strategies to prevent or treat HAND in people living with HIV. The research centers on brain-immune interactions and how early immune activation influences long-term cognitive outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could inform new approaches to reduce HIV-related brain disorders and improve cognitive health for people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data in SIV models and human studies suggest CNS monocyte/macrophage activity contributes to HAND, supporting potential relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Kenneth C — Boston College
- Study coordinator: Williams, Kenneth C
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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.