Understanding HIV and Brain Inflammation
Epigenetic profiling of HIV-associated neuroinflammation and proviral expression in the brain
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11136463
This research looks closely at brain cells from people with HIV to understand why HIV causes inflammation and affects brain function, even with treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136463 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
HIV can get into the brain early and cause ongoing inflammation, even when medication controls the virus in the body. This inflammation can lead to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), which affect memory and thinking. Researchers want to understand how HIV hides in brain cells called microglia and how the virus's genetic material is controlled by its environment. They will use advanced techniques on brain tissue samples from people who had HIV to find new ways to reduce inflammation and improve brain health. A specific protein called Nurr1 might play a role in silencing HIV in brain cells, and this will be a focus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research uses donated brain tissue from individuals who had HIV and participated in the Last Gift rapid autopsy program.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or who do not have HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that reduce brain inflammation and improve cognitive function for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While modern treatments control HIV, the specific inflammatory character and epigenetic control of HIV in the brain are not well understood, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAMERE, SARAH ADRIANNE — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: LAMERE, SARAH ADRIANNE
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus