Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-DA-26-008
Deadlines
Letter of Intent: February 12, 2024
Submission: March 13, 2024
Background
Sex differences in the manifestations and sequelae of HIV infection have been long reported. A combination of social, behavioral and environmental factors, host genetics, and viral features influences the acquisition and pathogenesis of HIV infection. Among the many factors, the distinct hormonal environment and hormone level fluctuations due to endogenous or exogenously administered hormones, for example, in contraception and in gender-affirming care are potential contributors to heterogeneity in host responses. This heterogeneity in HIV acquisition, pathogenesis, treatment response, viral reservoir and viral latency is further compounded by the use of opioids, stimulants, cannabinoids, or other addictive drugs.
Scope
This NOFO is specifically focused on elucidating biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms by which sex hormones influence the course and outcome of drug use and HIV infection. A particular focus of this NOFO is the identification of biological targets and pathways that can be modulated to influence the outcome of HIV infection in the context of sex hormones and misused substances, such as opioids, cannabinoids, nicotine, cocaine, psychostimulants, hallucinogens, psychedelics, sedatives/tranquilizers, and inhalants.
Research areas that are pertinent to this NOFO include, but are not limited to:
- Molecular mechanisms by which sex hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, affect HIV replication in the presence of addictive substances.
- Molecular mechanisms by which sex hormones influence the establishment of HIV viral reservoirs, and HIV latency and reactivation in the presence of opioids, stimulants, or other addictive substances.
- Molecular mechanisms by which sex hormones and HIV antiretroviral therapies (ART) influence HIV-substance use comorbidity.
- Interactions of hormones and HIV proteins that contribute to sex-specific differences in drug-seeking and relapse to drug taking behaviors.
- Role of sex hormones in the development of neuronal, glial, or synaptic impairments caused by HIV in the presence of addictive substances.
- Hormonal signaling pathways that can be therapeutically modulated to prevent or mitigate deleterious outcomes in comorbid HIV and drug use.
- Development of novel tools, methods, and probe molecules to investigate specific biochemical pathways and interaction networks by which gonadal hormones and addictive substances influence HIV latency and transcription in the Central Nervous System (CNS).
For more information, please see the opportunity webpage.