Understanding how HIV-related inflammation affects depression in patients
Official title: Identifying Unique Neural and Inflammatory Mechanisms of Depression in People Living with HIV
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11180084 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term inflammation from HIV might be linked to depression in people living with HIV, and it’s for anyone with HIV, whether they feel depressed or not, to help find better ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $657,977 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132458-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11180084 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or who do not have depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between chronic inflammation caused by HIV and depression in individuals living with HIV. By enrolling both depressed and non-depressed participants with and without HIV, the study aims to identify unique brain network dysfunctions associated with depression. Advanced imaging techniques like resting-state and task-based fMRI will be used to explore brain connectivity, while blood tests will measure inflammatory markers. The goal is to uncover how these factors interact and to identify potential biomarkers for better treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of depression in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between inflammation and depression, but this specific approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brooks, John O — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Brooks, John O
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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.