Drs. Monica Diaz and Eran Dayan of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have been awarded a new research grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance understanding of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in people living with HIV (PWH). This project aims to address a critical gap in HIV-related neurological research by exploring the complex relationship between viral persistence in the brain, inflammation, and structural and functional brain changes.
Despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral suppression in the bloodstream, HIV may continue to replicate within the central nervous system (CNS), contributing to cognitive decline and other aging-associated comorbidities. These complications pose significant challenges to long-term health outcomes and healthcare systems, with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs.
The newly funded study will investigate whether deficits in brain functional connectivity, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and white matter hyperintensity volume are mediated by persistent HIV viral activity in the CNS. By disentangling these factors, the research team hopes to discover mechanisms that drive NCI and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Dr. Diaz, a neurologist specializing in neuroimmunology, and Dr. Dayan, an expert in neuroinformatics and brain imaging, bring complementary expertise to this interdisciplinary effort. Their collaboration reflects UNC’s commitment to advancing global neurological care and improving the lives of individuals affected by HIV.
This grant marks a significant step forward in understanding the neurological consequences of HIV and aging, and it highlights the importance of continued investment in research that bridges virology, neuroscience and clinical care.
Follow this link to the NIH Reporter and learn more about the study.