Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine 2026

The effect of HIV and drugs of abuse on the blood-brain barrier

Name:
Dr. Allison Andrews

Email
andrews.allison@ufl.edu

Phone
(352) 294-5275

Faculty Department/Division
Pathology Immunology and Laboratory Medicine

This project is primarily:
Basic

Research Project Description:
Despite the use of Anti-retroviral therapy, rates of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain high in people living with HIV. A hallmark of HAND is blood-brain barrier disruption and inflammation in the CNS. Additionally, people with HIV commonly use drugs of abuse, which is known to impact HIV neuropathogenesis and contribute to neurocognitive disorders (NCI). The goal of this work is to examine the effect of various drugs of abuse on the blood-brain barrier, HIV replication and inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS).

Does this project have an international component or travel?
No