Understanding Pain Caused by HIV Medications and Opioids
Cellular and circuitry mechanisms of NRTI-induced pain pathogenesis in the context of opioids and HIV
This project explores how certain HIV medications, especially when combined with opioids, might cause pain in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10872136 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people living with HIV experience pain, and we believe that some of their essential HIV medications, called NRTIs, might be a cause. This project aims to uncover the specific ways these medications lead to pain in the nervous system. We are also looking at how opioids and a specific HIV protein might make this pain worse. By understanding these processes, we hope to find better ways to manage this challenging pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to people living with HIV who experience pain, particularly those taking NRTI-based antiretroviral therapy and/or opioids.
Not a fit: Patients whose pain is not related to HIV infection, antiretroviral medications, or opioid use may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or strategies to prevent and relieve chronic pain experienced by people living with HIV who take antiretroviral therapy.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between cART and pain is emerging, the specific cellular and circuitry mechanisms, especially in the context of opioids and HIV protein gp120, are not fully understood, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Shao-Jun — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Tang, Shao-Jun
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 below.