Cannabis, HIV and Mental Processing Systems (CHAMPS)

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R01 · $602,794 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

ABSTRACT/PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal employs novel methods to identify key determinants and consequences of concurrent HIV infection and regular cannabis use. We will acquire extensive phenotype data from peripheral and brain markers of immune activation, brain structure, and neuropsychological performance (NP) in persons living with HIV (PLWH) receiving combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) (80 regular cannabis users and 80 non-users) and HIV uninfected (HIV-) controls (80 regular cannabis users and 80 non-users). Our overall hypothesis is that cannabis use leads to increases in inflammation in the peripheral and brain compartments. We also hypothesize that phenotypic signatures due to regular cannabis use and HIV will be delineated through NP and brain volumetrics. In Aim 1 we hypothesize that regular cannabis use will increase both peripheral and brain immune indices in PLWH on cART. In Aim 2 we hypothesize that regular cannabis use will lead to a worsening of NP and reductions in brain volumetrics in both PLWH on cART and HIV- controls. This proposal will provide key insights into the effects of regular cannabis and HIV on peripheral and brain markers of immune function and NP in PLWH and HIV- controls. These insights are critical for cure strategies and ongoing HIV treatment initiatives.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10458095
Project number
5R01DA054009-02
Recipient
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Principal Investigator
Beau M Ances
Activity code
R01
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2022
Award amount
$602,794
Award type
5
Project period
2021-08-01 → 2026-05-31