Why HIV can cause lasting brain inflammation and thinking problems
Official title: Epigenetic mechanisms of HAND pathogenesis
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11469842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether tiny HIV-related particles change immune and brain cells so they stay inflamed and cause ongoing thinking and memory problems for people with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $71,609 |
| NIH project number | 3R21NS137986-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11469842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People living with HIV who have persistent cognitive or memory symptoms, or who are willing to donate blood samples for research, would be the most relevant participants.
✕Less likely to help
People without HIV or whose cognitive problems are caused by non-inflammatory or non-HIV-related conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers will look at how tiny virus-containing particles (called extracellular vesicles) carrying the HIV protein Nef change immune cells and brain cells to keep them in a pro-inflammatory state. They will use lab models of blood monocytes and brain cells (microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes), plus genomic tools like ATAC-seq and bioinformatics, to map lasting epigenetic changes. The team will test whether these changes can explain persistent brain inflammation and cognitive symptoms even when the virus is controlled by ART. The work combines cell-based experiments and molecular profiling to link peripheral immune changes to brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this could point to new ways to reverse or prevent long-term brain inflammation and cognitive decline in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory work supports that Nef-containing vesicles can reprogram monocytes, but applying this epigenetic 'trained immunity' idea to brain cells and HAND is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bukrinsky, Michael Ilya — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Bukrinsky, Michael Ilya
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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.