International NeuroHIV Cure Consortium (INHCC)
The mission of the International NeuroHIV Cure Consortium (INHCC) is to provide cutting-edge investigation and expertise in central nervous system (CNS) aspects of HIV infection relevant to pathogenesis, treatment, and HIV remission, or ‘cure.’ Beginning with our first project in 2009 to evaluate the neurological implications of acute HIV infection, the group has grown to now encompass investigation into a broad array of early infection and cure strategy work. The consortium was established in 2014 to facilitate scientific exchange among investigators in a diverse array of fields and to leverage all aspects of the research portfolio through multidisciplinary studies during acute and chronic HIV infection and HIV remission studies.​ Dr. Paul is a collaborator in the INHCC, providing specific expertise in neuropsychological assessment, data science, and neuroimaging. Additionally, the NAN lab manages neuroimaging data from INHCC studies as well as provides mentorship to high school and college students the consortium’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summer Program.
AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG)
The ACTG supports the largest network of expert clinical and translational investigators and therapeutic clinical trials units in the world, including sites in resource-limited countries. These investigators and units serve as the major resource for HIV/AIDS research, treatment, care, and training/education in their communities. Dr. Paul serves as Protocol Neuropsychologist for the A5324: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial Comparing Antiretroviral Intensification with Maraviroc and Dolutegravir with No Intensification or Intensification with Dolutegravir Alone for the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment in HIV. A5324 is a phase IV randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of adding Maraviroc (MVC) and Dolutegravir (DTG) to the current antiretroviral therapy (ART) of HIV-infected individuals with undetectable (<50 copies/mL) plasma HIV-1 RNA, who have mild to moderate neurocognitive impairment, with a primary outcome of improvement in neurocognitive performance.
Functional Imaging Reserve in NeuroHIV (FIRN)
This study systematically characterizes brain efficiency and recruitment in virologically suppressed persons living with HIV (PLWH) and demographically similar HIV uninfected (HIV-) controls. The study collects advanced functional neuroimaging, quantitative measures of immune dysfunction in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and neuropsychological performance testing. Results of this study will provide powerful insight into the pathophysiology of disease and will reveal arenas for future possible interventions in PLWH who have impaired neuropsychological performance. Dr. Paul serves as a Co-Investigator on this Washington University in St. Louis R01, led by Dr. Beau Ances.
Cannabis, HIV and Mental Processing Systems (CHAMPS)
This project employs novel methods to identify key determinants and consequences of concurrent HIV infection and regular cannabis use. This project will provide key insights into the effects of regular cannabis use and HIV on peripheral and brain markers of immune function and neuropsychological performance (NP) in persons living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV- controls. These insights are critical for cure strategies and ongoing HIV treatment initiatives. Dr. Paul serves as a Co-Investigator on this Washington University in St. Louis R01, led by Dr. Beau Ances.
Expanded Multidisciplinary NeuroAIDS Research Training to Improve HIV Outcomes in Nigeria
This D43 grant builds on the substantial success of the NeuroAIDS training program to date and addresses gaps in the three NeuroAIDS research cores that have emerged at the University of Ibadan. NeuroAIDS includes mental health, neurocognitive and neurologic disorders, and we estimate that HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders alone affect over a million Nigerians. Training will be expanded further, knowledge disseminated, and ideas cross- fertilized through forums. Manuscript writing and grantsmanship mentoring will prepare the trainees to become funded independent investigators. Dr. Paul mentors Drs. Obosi and Olukolade as part of this project.