Creating a model to study how bacteria interact with the cervicovaginal environment
Official title: Admin Core
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11290892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special 3D model of the cervicovaginal area to see how the natural bacteria there interact with infections like Chlamydia and gonorrhea, which could help find better ways to prevent and treat these sexually transmitted infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $209,455 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI158930-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk for or currently experiencing sexually transmitted infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not sexually active or do not have a history of sexually transmitted infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a 3D biomimetic model that simulates the cervicovaginal environment, including its microbiota, to better understand how these interactions affect the body's response to infections like Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. By utilizing advanced techniques such as global transcriptomics and immune profiling, the study will explore the complex relationships between the host, microbiome, and pathogens. This innovative approach seeks to provide insights that could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for sexually transmitted infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of sexually transmitted infections, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomimetic models to study host-pathogen interactions, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ravel, Jacques — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Ravel, Jacques
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.