Understanding how HIV affects brain inflammation
Official title: Epigenetic mechanisms of HAND pathogenesis
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11084665 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how HIV can cause ongoing brain inflammation even after treatment, which affects people with HIV-related cognitive issues, and aims to find new ways to help improve brain health for those living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $382,072 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS137986-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084665 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing cognitive difficulties or neurocognitive disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those without cognitive impairments related to HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), particularly focusing on how HIV-1 proteins can cause lasting inflammation in the brain even after the virus is treated. The study examines how certain immune cells, when exposed to HIV proteins, develop a form of 'epigenetic memory' that leads to heightened inflammatory responses. By analyzing these changes, researchers aim to uncover why inflammation persists in patients with HAND and how it affects brain health. This could help identify new therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for individuals living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce brain inflammation and improve cognitive function in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding epigenetic changes in immune cells can lead to significant advancements in treating chronic inflammatory conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bukrinsky, Michael Ilya — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Bukrinsky, Michael Ilya
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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.