Using autophagy to improve immune function in HIV patients who use methamphetamine
Official title: Targeting autophagy to reduce inflammasome-mediated inflammation and immune dysfunction in HIV and methamphetamine use
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11097146 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using methamphetamine impacts the immune system of people living with HIV who are on treatment, and it’s exploring whether a special treatment can help boost their immune response and lower inflammation to improve their health.
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 | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $708,134 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059873-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097146 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who also use methamphetamine and are receiving antiretroviral therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or do not use methamphetamine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how methamphetamine use affects the immune system in individuals living with HIV, particularly those on antiretroviral therapy. It aims to understand the molecular mechanisms by which methamphetamine impairs immune function and increases inflammation. The study explores the potential of autophagy inducers, like rapamycin, to enhance immune responses and reduce inflammation in these patients. By examining the effects of these treatments in humanized mouse models, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies for improving health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance immune function and reduce inflammation in HIV patients who also struggle with methamphetamine addiction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with autophagy inducers in improving immune function and reducing inflammation, suggesting a potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhen, Anjie — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhen, Anjie
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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.