Why HIV can cause lasting brain inflammation and thinking problems
Epigenetic mechanisms of HAND pathogenesis
['FUNDING_R21'] · GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11469842
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
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11469842 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES
- GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BUKRINSKY, MICHAEL ILYA — GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BUKRINSKY, MICHAEL ILYA
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus