Investigating how masculinizing hormone therapy affects HIV-1 risk in transgender men
Official title: The effects of masculinizing gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender men on susceptibility to HIV-1 infection modelled ex vivo in cervical mucosal tissue
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10865047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how testosterone therapy affects transgender men and whether it changes their risk of getting HIV, helping us learn more about their sexual health and safety.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $185,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178872-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are transgender men who have been receiving masculinizing hormone therapy for at least one year.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not transgender men or those who have not undergone masculinizing hormone therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of masculinizing hormone therapy on transgender men, particularly focusing on how it may influence their susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. The study examines changes in cervical mucosal tissue and the vaginal microbiome in response to testosterone therapy, which is commonly used by transgender men to develop masculine characteristics. By analyzing these changes, the research aims to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding the unique risks of HIV-1 among this population. Participants may contribute to understanding how hormone therapy impacts sexual health and HIV transmission risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health strategies and interventions to reduce HIV-1 transmission risk among transgender men.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on this topic, studies on hormone therapy and its effects on immune response have shown promising results, indicating potential for significant findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ochsenbauer, Christina — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Ochsenbauer, Christina
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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.