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Exploaratory Studies of HIV Infection and Pathogenesis in the context of THC use

Award Number: R01DA066170
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2031

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Exploaratory Studies of HIV Infection and Pathogenesis in the context of THC use - PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT HIV infection results in numerous complications across multiple organ systems, with over 75% of pa- tients with chronic HIV disease showing clinical manifestations, even when on long-term successful combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). Additional inflammatory sequelae have patients on long-term successful ART therapy who suffer from residual and end organ diseases of HIV infection. We posit that infiltrated inflammatory leukocytes in key brain regions are central to HIV-associated neuroinflam- mation, and that glia are a primary target for downstream neurodegeneration and associated cognitive decline. Activated microglia and astrocytes are associated with increased leukocyte transmigration, HIV infection, and the establishment of a highly inflammatory environment, which further aggravates HIV- associated disease, including neurodegeneration. THC has known anti-inflammatory properties, which we believe could inhibit the inflammation observed. Chemotaxis of monocytes and T cells increases during acute SIV infection and, following the initial neuroinvasion by these leukocytes, there is activation of glia and neuroinflammation. It is also highly probable that there are multiple rounds of CNS seeding, potentially driven by inflammation within the CNS. However, our very recent studies are showing that ART may only incompletely diminish the down- stream neurodegeneration observed in chronic SIV infection, suggesting there is ongoing CNS inflam- mation thereby driving the neurodegenerative process. In turn, this neurodegeneration is likely to have region-specific effects on cognition and behavior as HIV-associated complications. Our hypothesis is that cannabinoids can reprogram leukocytes and glial cells to less inflammatory phe- notypes that would reduce initial seeding of the CNS and later persistence of the reservoir. Indeed, it is possible that THC could even prevent the cycle of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline from starting in the first place. These will be both be explored here. The role of THC in preventing the dysregulation of leukocyte and glial function and associated neuroin- flammation, especially in the context of successful ART suppression of virus, represents a significant gap in our knowledge. Therefore, there is a critical need to understand the mechanisms whereby THC prevents or even reverses glial activation, neuroinflammation and downstream neurodegeneration. This multidisciplinary exploratory R01 application, which piggy-backs on several NIH-funded projects, seeks to address how long-term successful ART and a relatively low-dose THC influence the activation of glia and associated neuroinflammation in multiple brain regions.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $1,002,979 )
2026	2026	THE ADMINISTRATORS OF TULANE EDUCATIONAL FUND	6823 SAINT CHARLES AVE	NEW ORLEANS	LA	70118	ORLEANS	USA	Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs	000	1	8/19/2026	NEW	$1,002,979
														Subtotal = $1,002,979

Grand Total All Awards = $1,002,979

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Exploaratory Studies of HIV Infection and Pathogenesis in the context of THC use

Award Number: R01DA066170

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2031

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