Does rectal chlamydia affect protection against genital chlamydia?
Coordinated studies in monkeys and humans to assess the immunological impact of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection on protection against genital infection
This project compares immune responses in people and monkeys to learn if rectal chlamydia boosts protection against future genital chlamydia infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308309 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would provide clinical samples and attend visits so researchers can compare your immune responses with those seen in monkeys. They will measure antibodies and other immune markers from blood and rectal and genital samples and follow people over time to see who gets reinfected. The team runs parallel studies in nonhuman primates to link immune signals with protection, then looks for the same signals in people. Results aim to point toward safer mucosal vaccine approaches that might prevent genital chlamydia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who currently have or recently had rectal chlamydia, or people at higher risk for rectal infection (for example, those who engage in receptive anal sex) who can attend clinic visits.
Not a fit: People without exposure to chlamydia or whose health concerns are unrelated to sexually transmitted infections are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide vaccines or prevention strategies that reduce genital chlamydia and its reproductive complications.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies in mice and nonhuman primates suggest rectal infection can provide protection against genital challenge, but comparable human data are limited.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vojtech, Lucia N — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Vojtech, Lucia N
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.