Developing a model to study interactions in the cervicovaginal environment.
Official title: Omics/Clinical Core
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11290894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a model that mimics the natural environment of the cervix and vagina to learn how the good bacteria there interact with infections like Chlamydia and gonorrhea, helping us understand how the body responds to these infections better.
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) | $182,560 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI158930-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290894 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 affected by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a cervicovaginal environment or those not at risk for sexually transmitted infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a 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 characterization, the study aims to observe the complex dynamics between the host, microbiome, and pathogens. The research will also ensure the availability of consistent biological resources for various projects within the SIM-STI program, enhancing the reproducibility of findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
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.