Understanding how HIV and cannabis affect brain cells
Official title: Elucidating single cell changes in neurogenic brain regions during HIV and cannabinoid exposure
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11082984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cannabis affects the brains of people living with HIV, to see if it helps or harms brain health, and it’s designed for those interested in understanding the impact of cannabis on their cognitive well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,276,913 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DA058527-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who use cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or do not use cannabis may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of cannabis on the brain's neurogenic regions in individuals living with HIV. It aims to clarify whether cannabis use is beneficial or harmful to the central nervous system by examining specific brain cell types and their responses to cannabinoids. Using advanced single-cell technologies and a nonhuman primate model, the study will analyze brain tissues to uncover the cellular and molecular changes associated with HIV and cannabis exposure. The findings could provide insights into the relationship between cannabis use and cognitive health in people living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cognitive health in individuals living with HIV who use cannabis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of cannabinoids on brain health, but this specific approach focusing on single-cell changes in the context of HIV is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ndhlovu, Lishomwa C — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Ndhlovu, Lishomwa C
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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.