Drivers of genital inflammation and HIV risk in women in sub-Saharan Africa
Identifying drivers of genital inflammation and HIV acquisition in women living in sub-Saharan Africa
Researchers will compare vaginal bacteria and local immune responses in women in sub-Saharan Africa to find what increases their chance of getting HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160803 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses blood and genital samples collected over time from 1,200 young women in the FRESH study to learn how vaginal microbes and inflammation affect HIV risk. Scientists will examine bacterial and fungal communities, their genes and activity, and the small molecules those microbes produce, alongside measurements of immune signals in the genital tract. The team will use samples taken before and after HIV infection from over 100 women who became HIV-positive to identify changes linked to acquiring HIV. Results from these different laboratory approaches will be combined to look for biological patterns that could be targeted to reduce risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are sexually active women in sub-Saharan Africa who are willing to provide genital and blood samples and attend regular clinic visits.
Not a fit: People who are male, not sexually active, living outside the study region, or not willing to provide samples or follow-up are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent HIV by targeting harmful vaginal bacteria or reducing genital inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, including earlier work from the FRESH cohort, have linked non-Lactobacillus vaginal bacterial communities to higher HIV risk, but the exact biological mechanisms are still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwon, Douglas — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kwon, Douglas
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.