The effects of methamphetamine on HIV in the brain
Official title: Methamphetamine, HIV integration and latency in the brain
Funded at San Diego Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-10932406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how methamphetamine affects the way HIV hides in brain cells, especially in immune cells called microglia, to help find better treatment options for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $565,868 |
| NIH project number | 5R61DA059924-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932406 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who have a history of methamphetamine use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or do not use methamphetamine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how methamphetamine, a stimulant drug, affects the integration and latency of HIV in the brain. It focuses on understanding the relationship between chromatin organization and HIV persistence in brain cells, particularly in microglia, which are immune cells in the brain. The study will utilize various models, starting with human cell lines and progressing to animal models, to explore how methamphetamine influences HIV integration and the neurological consequences for individuals living with HIV. By examining these interactions, the research aims to uncover potential pathways that could improve treatment strategies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals living with HIV who also use methamphetamine.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interactions between methamphetamine and HIV in the brain are less explored, related research has shown success in understanding drug effects on viral persistence in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marcondes, Maria Cecilia Garibaldi — San Diego Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Marcondes, Maria Cecilia Garibaldi
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.