Understanding how cannabinoids affect HIV-1 infection and inflammation
Official title: Elucidating the mechanisms of cannabinoids on HIV-1 infection and inflammasome activation
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10889168 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cannabinoids might help reduce inflammation in people living with HIV by exploring their effects on certain immune cells, and it aims to find new ways to manage inflammation even when HIV treatment is working.
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 start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $423,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA052255-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889168 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV-1 who experience chronic inflammation and may use or be interested in cannabinoid treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV-1 or those who do not experience chronic inflammation related to their condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of cannabinoids on HIV-1 infection and the associated inflammation in people living with HIV. It aims to understand how cannabinoids can modulate the NLRP3 inflammasome, which plays a significant role in chronic inflammation despite effective anti-retroviral therapy. The study will utilize innovative techniques, including an ex vivo human tonsil infection model and advanced imaging to analyze cellular responses to cannabinoid treatment. By identifying the specific cell types affected and the inflammatory signaling pathways involved, this research seeks to provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for managing inflammation in HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that reduce inflammation and improve health outcomes for individuals living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there is emerging evidence suggesting cannabinoids may have beneficial effects on inflammation, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swartz, Talia H — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Swartz, Talia H
Related research
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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.