Investigating how bacteria and antibodies interact during HPV infection and cervical dysplasia
Official title: Antibody bound bacteria during HPV infection and cervical dysplasia
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10867912 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria in the vagina might affect the immune system and the risk of cervical issues in women with high-risk HPV infections, helping us understand how these factors could influence HPV clearance and the chances of developing cervical cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $184,528 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA289927-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867912 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women who are experiencing HPV infections or have been diagnosed with cervical dysplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HPV infections or cervical dysplasia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infections and the vaginal microbiome, particularly focusing on how antibodies bind to bacteria in the female reproductive tract. The study aims to compare the types and functions of bacteria present in women with different cervical health statuses, including those with HPV infections and varying degrees of cervical lesions. By analyzing these differences, the research seeks to uncover how these microbial interactions may influence the immune response and progression of cervical dysplasia. This could lead to a better understanding of the factors that affect HPV clearance and cervical cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for cervical cancer and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of the vaginal microbiome in HPV infection is an emerging area of research, this specific approach to studying antibody binding to bacteria in relation to cervical dysplasia is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Langel, Stephanie N. — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Langel, Stephanie N.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Antibodies and vaginal bacteria in HPV-related cervical changes
This project looks at whether antibodies bind different vaginal bacteria in women with HPV or cervical cell changes to understand why some women develop more serious lesions.
-
Antibodies and vaginal bacteria in HPV and cervical cell changes
This research looks at how antibodies attach to vaginal bacteria in people with HPV or different levels of cervical cell changes to better understand why some infections clear and others progress.
-
Topical ethanol gel for precise treatment of low-grade cervical dysplasia
A new topical gel using ethanol is being tested to treat low-grade cervical dysplasia in women, especially where access to regular care is limited.
-
Thermal ablation vs LEEP for cervical precancer in women with HIV
A clinical trial will compare two treatments, thermal ablation and LEEP, for high-grade cervical lesions in women living with HIV or other immunosuppression.
-
Epigenetics of oral HPV-related mouth and throat cancer in people with HIV in Nigeria
This project looks for DNA markers in people living with HIV in Nigeria to find who has or might develop HPV-related mouth and throat cancers.
-
Oral bacteria, gum disease, and oral HPV in people living with HIV
This project looks at how the mouth’s bacteria and gum disease relate to oral HPV in people with HIV, and what immune factors might be involved.
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.