The goal of Dr. Cunningham's research program is to understand the
neurobiology of the vulnerability to addiction and relapse on cellular and
behavioral levels, and to ultimately translate this knowledge into new
strategies to enhance abstinence. Working with collaborators from across several
institutions, Dr. Cunningham and colleagues are designing new molecules to
selectively target serotonin receptors and their interactions with other
proteins and evaluating these molecules in vitro and in vivo for use as
neurobiological probes and, potentially, as new therapeutic modalities for
addiction and related disorders. A thorough understanding of the neural basis
underlying the effects of psychoactive drugs is critical to the development of
new science-based therapeutic directions for prevention and treatment of
psychostimulant addiction.
The SIVS and the CAR have crafted a multidisciplinary approach to vaccine
development. Uniting the work of experts in the areas of vaccine discovery,
chemistry and animal models of addictive disorders, our scientists are
collaborating on the development of a vaccine for the management and treatment
of addiction in humans. Early studies suggest that vaccines have the promise to
prevent relapse to drug use in abstinent users who voluntarily enter treatment
and to complement psychological therapies to extend abstinence. More
specifically, we propose to create vaccines that raise blood levels of potent
anti-cocaine or anti-marijuana antibodies to block or limit the actions of the
abused drug in the brain. UTMB is one of a small group of academic health
centers around the world capable of developing and testing such a vaccine. In
addition, CAR is one of a few addiction science enterprises in the United States
that brings together the diverse spheres of chemistry, biology and behavior
toward a vision of new therapeutics; it has been recognized for this unique
approach by the National Institutes of Health.
Search PubMed for Dr. Cunningham's publications.