Understanding how HIV and opioids affect immune cell activation
Official title: Mechanisms of Persistent Inflammasome Activation in Myeloid Cells
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11195669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV and opioid use affect immune cells in the brain, hoping to understand why people with both conditions often experience ongoing inflammation and health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $757,289 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059952-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195669 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those who also have a history of opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the persistent activation of immune cells in individuals living with HIV, particularly focusing on how this condition interacts with opioid use disorder. By studying primary human microglia, which are immune cells in the brain, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to increased inflammation and progression of HIV-related diseases. The approach involves creating specialized cell cultures to analyze how HIV infection and opioid exposure influence immune responses. This could provide insights into the chronic inflammatory issues faced by patients with both HIV and opioid use disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals living with HIV and opioid use disorder, potentially reducing inflammation and associated health complications.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored related topics in animal models, this research aims to address a significant gap in understanding the interaction between HIV and opioid use in human immune cells, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gummuluru, Suryaram — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Gummuluru, Suryaram
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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.