Investigating how oral herpesviruses affect HIV transmission from mother to child

Role of oral herpesvirus microbiota in pathogenesis of HIV mother to child transmission

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10418742

This study is looking at how certain viruses that cause cold sores and other infections might help HIV spread from mothers to their babies, and it hopes to find new ways to stop this from happening.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10418742 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the role of oral herpesviruses in the transmission of HIV from mothers to their infants. It focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that allow HIV to persist in infant tonsil epithelial cells, which may lead to infection despite preventive measures. The study examines how interactions between herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus with these cells can influence the release of infectious HIV. By analyzing these interactions, the research aims to identify potential new strategies for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women living with HIV and their infants, particularly those at risk of mother-to-child transmission.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have a risk of HIV transmission from mother to child may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies that significantly reduce the rates of HIV transmission from mothers to infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding viral interactions can lead to breakthroughs in preventing viral transmission, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.