How the virus and immune system act in the mouth right after HIV exposure
Influence of viral and immune interventions on early events following oral SIV infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11259445
Researchers are testing targeted viral and immune interventions delivered to the oral lining to learn how HIV first takes hold after mouth exposure, with relevance for infants exposed via breast milk and adults after receptive oral contact.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259445 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I'm worried about HIV exposure through the mouth, this work uses an animal model that mimics human HIV infection to recreate how the virus gets into the oral lining. Scientists place virus into the intraepithelial space of the mouth and then follow virus and immune cells in the nearby draining lymph nodes during the first hours to days after exposure. They will apply immune or viral interventions at those early time points to see whether spread can be blocked. The findings aim to point to ways to prevent transmission to infants who drink breast milk from HIV+ mothers and to adults exposed by receptive oral contact.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for oral HIV exposure — especially infants born to HIV+ mothers who breastfeed and adults with receptive oral exposure to semen — are the populations this work is intended to help.
Not a fit: People with long-standing chronic HIV infection or those exposed only by non-oral routes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early-transmission-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal early targets or strategies to prevent HIV from establishing infection after oral exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have mapped early SIV/HIV spread at mucosal sites, but using intraepithelial delivery to pinpoint and intervene at the exact oral entry sites is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SODORA, DONALD L — SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: SODORA, DONALD L
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus