Developing a model to study interactions in the cervicovaginal environment.
Omics/Clinical Core
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 ID | NIH-11290894 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk for or currently affected by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a cervicovaginal environment or those not at risk for sexually transmitted infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
How similar studies have performed: 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
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ravel, Jacques — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Ravel, Jacques
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 below.