Understanding Depression in People with HIV
Inflammation, BBB disruption, and Reward Function in the Pathogenesis of Depression among PWH
This research explores how inflammation and changes in the brain's protective barrier might contribute to depression in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11114038 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into why depression is so common among people with HIV. Our team believes that HIV infection can cause body-wide inflammation, which then affects the brain's protective barrier, called the blood-brain barrier. When this barrier is disrupted, it can lead to brain inflammation and changes in the brain's reward system, which may cause symptoms of depression. We are using advanced lab models to understand these connections better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related studies might be people living with HIV who also experience symptoms of depression.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or depression may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat depression in people living with HIV by targeting inflammation or the blood-brain barrier.
How similar studies have performed: Our research group has previously developed reliable lab models to study the blood-brain barrier in people with HIV, showing that certain immune cells can cross this barrier even when the virus is controlled.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gabbay, Vilma — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Gabbay, Vilma
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.