Understanding how cannabinoids affect hidden HIV in the body
Defining the impact of cannabinoids on the latent HIV reservoir through multi-omic analysis
This research explores how cannabinoid use might change the hidden HIV virus in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159837 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The main challenge to curing HIV is the 'latent reservoir,' which is where the virus hides in the body. We know that certain substances, like cannabinoids, might affect this hidden virus, but we don't fully understand how. This project aims to discover if cannabinoid exposure changes the amount, location, and activity of the hidden HIV virus in immune cells. By using advanced techniques, we hope to learn more about these effects and how they might influence future treatments for HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to people living with HIV, particularly those who use cannabinoids.
Not a fit: Patients without HIV or those not using cannabinoids may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help develop better strategies to eliminate the hidden HIV virus, especially for people with HIV who use cannabinoids.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work suggests that drugs of abuse can impact the HIV reservoir, and recent discoveries indicate cannabinoids may reactivate HIV from latency in cell models.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Browne, Edward P — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Browne, Edward P
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.