Understanding HIV's Effects in the Brain of People with HIV

In situ spatial characterization of CNS HIV-host cellular interactions from victims of sudden death

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11195691

This project looks closely at brain tissue from people with HIV to understand how the virus affects the brain, especially when methamphetamine use is also present.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11195691 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

For people living with HIV, the virus can hide in the brain, causing inflammation and damage, particularly when methamphetamine use is also involved. We don't fully understand how HIV-infected cells interact with brain tissue in these situations, especially for those on antiretroviral therapy (ART). This project uses a unique collection of brain samples from people with HIV who passed away suddenly, many of whom were on ART. By examining these samples, we hope to learn more about how HIV persists in the brain and contributes to neuroinflammation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This project primarily benefits people with HIV by advancing scientific knowledge, and it relies on post-mortem brain tissue donations from individuals with HIV who experienced sudden death.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently living and seeking direct treatment or intervention would not directly participate in this post-mortem tissue analysis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This research could lead to a better understanding of HIV's impact on the brain, potentially guiding future treatments for HIV-related brain inflammation and damage, especially for those who also use methamphetamine.

How similar studies have performed: This project utilizes a unique and extensive post-mortem tissue bank, making it a novel resource for in-depth spatial analysis of HIV infection in the brain.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired brain injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.