Understanding Brain Inflammation and Recovery in People with HIV
HIV-OPN/SPP1Triad II: Molecular Pathways Regulating Neuronal-Glial Inflammation in the Brain
This project explores how a protein called OPN/SPP1 contributes to brain inflammation and affects recovery in individuals living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Even with current treatments, many people with HIV continue to experience brain-related issues, and this project aims to understand why. We know that a protein called OPN/SPP1 is often found at high levels in people with HIV who have moderate to severe neurological complications. Our goal is to uncover the exact molecular ways OPN/SPP1 acts in the brain to cause inflammation and impact the brain's ability to heal after HIV infection. By studying how this protein interacts with brain cells, we hope to find new strategies to help the brain recover and maintain health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research does not directly recruit patients, but future clinical applications would likely focus on adults aged 21 and older living with HIV who experience neurological complications.
Not a fit: Patients without HIV or those not experiencing neurological complications related to HIV would likely not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new treatments that specifically target OPN/SPP1 to reduce brain inflammation and improve neurological outcomes for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has identified elevated OPN/SPP1 in people with HIV and neurological issues, and initial lab and animal studies have begun to clarify its role in inflammation and recovery.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Amanda Maria — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Brown, Amanda Maria
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.