Mukerji LabResearch-Other Neuroinfectious DiseasesOur Team

How HIV Affects the Brain

Biomarkers graph
Low neurosteroid metabolites correlate with persistent depression among people with HIV on therapy. Publication details.

Even if HIV viral loads are undetectable, HIV-associated brain disorders and neuropathy still occur. Our research aims to understand how that happens, and how to prevent it.

Depression is a critical medical challenge that affects millions of people with HIV (PWH). Some people with depressive disorders do not respond to traditional antidepressant treatments. Our lab focuses on the interactions between the body and the brain by analyzing systemic networks altered in depression and disorders of cognition in people with HIV.

Learn about SOOTHE Trial, our ongoing clinical trial for people with HIV and depression. 

Why It's Important to Participate in Research Studies

  • Learn about your own health
  • Help others who live with HIV
  • Increase the research voice of underrepresented groups
  • Be a part of something important and meaningful
  • Help researchers learn more about HIV to discover future treatments and therapy

HIV and Cognition

Cognitive changes are a normal part of aging and new, simpler methods are being developed to detect early changes in thinking and memory. The Mukerji Lab investigated whether two blood-based brain health markers, neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), could detect cognitive changes early or long term in people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. They found that 1) both NfL and GFAP levels were higher in people who performed worse on thinking and memory tests, and 2) only NfL levels were different in people whose thinking and memory got worse over time. While still early, these findings suggest a potential for predicting cognitive issues and improving care.
Brain Health and HIV: Detecting Early Signs of Cognitive Changes

The Mukerji lab recently published a research study investigating the potential role of plasma NfL and GFAP as biomarkers for cognitive decline in PWH, with Principal Investigator Emily Hyle, MD, MSc.

This study's findings are summarized in the "Brain Health and HIV: Detecting Early Signs of Cognitive Changes" infographic.

Partners

We are honored to collaborate with many other researchers and clinicians, with special thanks to Dana Gabuzda, MD and Janet Lo, MD.


Relevant Papers

See more at Harvard Catalyst

What We Know About How HIV Affects Neurocognition

Dr. Mukerji was interviewed by MD Magazine's HCPLive about the state of HIV neurocognition research.

Watch the video

HIV and Depression Clinical Trial

The Mukerji Lab for Neuroinfectious Diseases has an ongoing clinical trial for people with HIV and depression.

Learn more