Understanding how opioids affect the immune system in people living with HIV
Official title: Identification of opioid-induced innate immune dysregulation among people living with HIV
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11182343 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term use of opioids might affect the immune system in people living with HIV, especially how it impacts certain immune cells, and it hopes to find ways to help improve immune health for those individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,843 |
| NIH project number | 1R36DA061652-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11182343 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are also experiencing opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or who are not using opioids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of chronic opioid exposure on the immune system of individuals living with HIV. It focuses on how opioids may disrupt the normal functioning of immune cells, particularly monocytes, which play a crucial role in inflammation and immune response. By analyzing the metabolic changes and signaling pathways affected by opioids, the study aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to improve immune health in this population. Patients may be involved in providing biological samples and health information to help understand these interactions better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve immune function and overall health for people living with HIV who use opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that opioid use can negatively impact immune function, suggesting that this study's approach is relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bever, Brent — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Bever, Brent
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.