Dr. Aditya N Bade's research lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center focuses on understanding the effects of antiretroviral drugs, particularly during pregnancy. The lab investigates how these drugs might impact neurodevelopment and placental health in both the mother and fetus, especially in the context of co-exposure to substances like nicotine. Their goal is to find safer medication strategies that improve health outcomes for pregnant women living with HIV.

Benson Edagwa's lab focuses on creating innovative, long-acting drug formulations for the treatment of pediatric patients with HIV-1. Their main goal is to develop a six-month injectable antiretroviral therapy that improves adherence to treatment. By using advanced drug delivery methods, they aim to overcome the limitations of daily oral therapies, making it easier for children to receive life-saving HIV treatment.

Dr. Howard E. Gendelman's research lab focuses on innovative approaches to combat HIV through targeted therapies. They are developing lipid nanoparticles that can deliver gene therapies specifically to HIV-infected cells, aiming to eliminate hidden viral reservoirs. The lab also investigates the effects of HIV on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's, using specially designed animal models to understand the interplay between viral infection and brain health.

Dr. Santhi Gorantla's lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center focuses on understanding how HIV-1 persists in the central nervous system and how it can be attacked using new therapies. The lab studies immune cells that harbor the virus, particularly in the brain, to find out how drug use affects HIV's presence and the development of related neurological disorders. By using a specially developed mouse model that mimics human biology, the lab aims to develop strategies to eliminate HIV-1 from these reservoirs and improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Dr. Siddappa N Byrareddy's lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center focuses on understanding how substances like cocaine and cannabinoids influence the immune response and disease progression in HIV and related infections. They study the gut-brain connection and how factors like sex differences affect viral reservoirs and inflammation in the brain and intestines. The goal is to find better therapies for managing HIV/SIV and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Dr. Shilpa J Buch's lab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center focuses on understanding how HIV and substance abuse like cocaine affect the brain. Their research investigates the role of immune cells in the brain, especially how these cells respond to HIV proteins and drugs, leading to inflammation and cognitive decline. By studying processes like ferritinophagy, they aim to develop new treatments to improve brain health for people living with HIV and addiction.

Dr. Palsamy Periyasamy's lab at the University Of Nebraska Medical Center focuses on understanding the effects of HIV and methamphetamine on brain inflammation. They study how these substances activate astrocyte-specific inflammasomes, which are important for brain health. The ultimate aim is to identify new therapeutic targets to reduce neuroinflammation in individuals affected by HIV and drug abuse, improving their cognitive function and overall well-being.