Understanding HIV's Impact on Brain Cells in People with HIV
Modeling HIV Microglia-Associated Infection and Inflammation in a Chimeric Mouse Brain
This project aims to better understand how HIV affects specific brain cells, called microglia, in people living with HIV, especially those experiencing thinking and memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11094711 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Even with effective treatments, many people with HIV still experience difficulties with memory and thinking, known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. We want to learn more about how HIV hides in the brain and affects brain cells, particularly microglia, which are important for brain health. Our team is looking closely at brain tissue from people with HIV to see how the virus changes these cells and contributes to brain problems. This work uses advanced techniques to map out how HIV integrates into the DNA of microglia and how it changes their activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for anyone interested in the underlying causes of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and how HIV affects the brain.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat or prevent HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and improve brain health for people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Our laboratory's ongoing work has provided initial insights into HIV's molecular signatures in human brain cells, indicating this approach is promising for uncovering new details.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akbarian, Schahram — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Akbarian, Schahram
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.