Investigating how bacterial vaginosis affects HIV risk through immune cells
Official title: The Role of the Macrophage in Bacterial Vaginosis Mediated HIV Risk
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10918470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bacterial vaginosis (BV) might affect the immune system and increase the risk of HIV in women, by checking the vaginal fluid of women with and without BV to see how different bacteria influence immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $533,750 |
| NIH project number | 1DP1HD115449-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918470 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who have been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis or are otherwise healthy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bacterial vaginosis or are not at risk for HIV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and increased risk of HIV infection by examining how BV influences immune cells called macrophages. The study will analyze vaginal fluid samples from women with and without BV to understand how different microbial compositions affect macrophage behavior. By using advanced techniques like proteomics and machine learning, researchers aim to identify specific microbial factors that may lead to a higher susceptibility to HIV. This could provide insights into potential prevention strategies for women at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing HIV in women affected by bacterial vaginosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the microbiome's role in immune response can lead to significant advancements in HIV prevention strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parker, Ivana — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Parker, Ivana
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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.