Understanding how HIV and opioids affect brain inflammation and damage
Official title: Disentangling the HIV/opioid intertwined mechanisms on mitochondrial mediated inflammasome activation, neurotoxicity and targeting strategies: In vivo and in vitro analyses of fresh human brain
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11055845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and opioid use affect brain inflammation and damage, with the hope of finding ways to help improve thinking and memory for people dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $794,203 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA062278-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV, particularly those experiencing cognitive impairment, as well as individuals who use opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or opioid use may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between HIV and opioid use on brain inflammation and neurotoxicity. By analyzing fresh human brain specimens, the team aims to understand how HIV proteins activate inflammatory pathways and how opioids may exacerbate these effects. The study employs advanced methodologies, including neuropathology and cellular analyses, to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive impairment associated with these conditions. The goal is to identify potential targeted interventions that could improve cognitive function in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that mitigate cognitive impairment in individuals living with HIV and those who use opioids.
How similar studies have gone: While the individual effects of HIV and opioids on brain health have been studied, this research aims to explore their combined impact, making it a novel approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaillon, Antoine — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Chaillon, Antoine
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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.