Understanding how immune cells move to the brain in HIV/AIDS patients with cryptococcal infections
Official title: A murine model for HIV/AIDS associated cryptococcal IRIS: characterizing the molecular mechanism of CD4+ T cell migration to the brain
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11083312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells move to the brain in people with HIV/AIDS who get a specific infection after starting treatment, and it hopes to find ways to better manage the serious immune reactions that can happen as a result.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | November 19, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $186,451 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI186685-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are HIV/AIDS patients who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy and are at risk of developing cryptococcal infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who do not have a risk of cryptococcal infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the migration of CD4+ T cells to the brain in HIV/AIDS patients who develop cryptococcal infections after starting antiretroviral therapy. It focuses on the role of TNF-α, a key biomarker, in driving this migration and the subsequent immune response known as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). By using a murine model, the study aims to uncover the molecular pathways involved, which could lead to better management of this life-threatening condition. The findings may help in understanding how to prevent or mitigate the severe immune responses that can occur in these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for HIV/AIDS patients, reducing the risk of severe complications from cryptococcal infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific molecular mechanisms of CD4+ T cell migration in this context are not fully understood, similar research has shown promise in elucidating immune responses in HIV/AIDS patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Meiqing — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Shi, Meiqing
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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.