Tracking HIV treatment effects in the brain using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Brain metabolic imaging biomarkers of HIV-1 Infection During ART
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10761339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV medications affect the brain using a special type of MRI that can see important brain chemicals, helping us understand how these drugs work and improve brain health for people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $422,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH134678-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10761339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those not receiving antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to use innovative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to noninvasively observe how antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) affect the brain in individuals with HIV. By employing a technique called chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), the study will measure specific metabolites associated with brain health and the effectiveness of ARVs. This approach allows for detailed tracking of drug distribution and its impact on brain function without the need for invasive procedures. The findings could lead to better understanding and management of neurological issues related to HIV treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve treatment strategies for HIV patients by providing insights into how ARVs affect brain health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study drug effects in the brain, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Yutong — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Liu, Yutong
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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.