Understanding how stress affects the immune system in people living with HIV, cannabis use disorder, and depression
Official title: Stress-immune mechanisms for people living with HIV, CUD and Depression
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11195634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects the immune system and mental health in people living with HIV, especially those who also struggle with cannabis use and depression, to better understand how these factors can impact their overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $895,523 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA061995-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also experience cannabis use disorder and/or major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or the associated mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between stress, immune function, and mental health in individuals living with HIV. It focuses on how psychosocial stress impacts the neuroendocrine system and immune responses, particularly in those also dealing with cannabis use disorder and major depressive disorder. By examining the epigenetic changes associated with these conditions, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to increased morbidity in this population. Patients may be involved in assessments that explore these interactions and their effects on health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for managing stress-related health issues in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding stress-immune interactions in other populations, but this specific approach in the context of HIV and comorbid conditions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Ke — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Ke
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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.