Understanding how certain immune cells affect brain blood vessels in people with HIV
Role of Monocyte Delta Like-4 (Dll4) in HIV-Associated Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
This research explores how a specific protein on immune cells might lead to small blood vessel damage in the brain and impact memory and thinking in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144333 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how a protein called Dll4, found on certain immune cells called monocytes, contributes to problems with small blood vessels in the brain and affects thinking skills in people living with HIV. Normally, Dll4 is on the lining of blood vessels, but in conditions with ongoing inflammation, like HIV, monocytes can also produce it. Our early findings suggest that this Dll4 protein can change how brain blood vessels function. We believe that inflammation, common in HIV, causes monocytes to release Dll4, which then impacts the protective blood-brain barrier and the structure of brain vessels. This could explain some of the cognitive challenges faced by people with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for people living with HIV who experience or are at risk for cognitive issues and brain small vessel disease.
Not a fit: Patients without HIV or those whose cognitive issues are not related to HIV-associated small vessel disease may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat brain blood vessel damage and cognitive decline in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of Dll4 in HIV-associated cerebral small vessel disease is a novel area, previous research has linked inflammation and vascular changes to cognitive decline in HIV.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schifitto, Giovanni — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Schifitto, Giovanni
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.