How vaginal microbes interact with HIV and sugars
Official title: Dichotomy of HIV-Sugar with Vaginal Microbes
Funded at Griffith University · NIH-10814996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain sugars on HIV and human cells interact with vaginal microbes, to see if these interactions can help explain why some vaginal bacteria might protect against or increase the risk of HIV, which could lead to new ways to prevent the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Griffith University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Queensland, Australia) |
| Project start | March 24, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $148,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI172534-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10814996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of HIV infection, particularly those with varying vaginal microbiomes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of HIV infection or those who do not have a vaginal microbiome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between HIV and vaginal microbes, focusing on how specific sugars on the virus and human cells may influence this interaction. The study aims to understand whether these sugar interactions can affect HIV transmission, potentially revealing why certain vaginal microbes may protect against or increase the risk of HIV. By examining these dynamics, the research seeks to uncover new insights into the role of vaginal flora in HIV infection and transmission. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to new prevention strategies against HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing HIV transmission based on the interactions between vaginal microbes and the virus.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of vaginal microbiota in HIV transmission, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Griffith University
Queensland, Australia Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mak, Johnson — Griffith University
- Study coordinator: Mak, Johnson
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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.