# Identifying Unique Neural and Inflammatory Mechanisms of Depression in People Living with HIV

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2024 · $776,444

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
People living with HIV (PLWH) are particularly vulnerable to depression, which negatively
affects their quality of life, medication adherence, and even mortality. Nearly 60% of PLWH
suffer from depression, yet little is known about the underlying mechanisms of depression in
HIV. Understanding how HIV-associated chronic inflammation interacts with neural mechanisms
to contribute to depression is critical in guiding future treatment efforts. We will test a model of
depression in PLWH in which inflammation contributes to a distinctive pattern of brain network
dysfunction. In a cross-sectional study, we will enroll PLWH who are depressed (n=80) and non-
depressed (n=60), and HIV- subjects who are depressed (n=80) and non-depressed (n=60).
We will address several significant knowledge gaps by Human Connectome Project protocols to
implement resting-state fMRI to measure functional connectivity and task-based fMRI to probe
Negative Valence Domain and emotion regulation networks. We will also measure peripheral
inflammatory markers and NF-κB (an upstream regulator of expression of pro-inflammatory
cytokines) to assess inflammation. Measures of tryptophan catabolism will also be considered
as mediators of the effects of inflammation on depression. These data will elucidate how HIV
status, inflammation, and depression interact with critical brain networks to identify potential
biomarkers and treatment targets.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10839235
- **Project number:** 1R01MH132458-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHN O BROOKS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $776,444
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2029-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10839235

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10839235, Identifying Unique Neural and Inflammatory Mechanisms of Depression in People Living with HIV (1R01MH132458-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10839235. Licensed CC0.

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