Award
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 5R21NS134408-02
EcoHIV and neuropathic pain
Recipient
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Award Amount
$185,000.00
Ceiling
$185,000.00
Awarded
August 02, 2024
Identifier
5R21NS134408-02
Award to University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to develop an animal model for HIV-related neuropathic pain using EcoHIV-infected mice, aiming to better understand and treat chronic pain in people living with HIV.
Description
This project aims to develop and characterize a small animal model for HIV-related neuropathic pain using EcoHIV-infected mice. Chronic pain is a significant health issue in people living with HIV (PLWH), and current models using viral proteins like gp120 do not fully mimic the ongoing presence of HIV and associated viral proteins. The study hypothesizes that EcoHIV-infected mice will develop a neuropathic pain-like condition with behavioral and pathological changes similar to those observed in PLWH. The research will involve behavioral assessments of sensory and spontaneous pain, analysis of markers for HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy, and investigation of neuroinflammation. The multidisciplinary approach includes behavior, pharmacology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and histopathology.