Understanding how HIV-1 is transmitted in women
Official title: Elucidating mechanisms of HIV-1 mucosal transmission
Funded at Birmingham VA Medical Center · NIH-11098500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HIV spreads in women by examining how the virus interacts with certain immune cells right after exposure, which could help create better prevention methods for women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Birmingham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004547-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women at risk of HIV-1 infection, particularly those in military or high-exposure environments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of HIV-1 infection or those who are already HIV-positive may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of HIV-1 transmission specifically in the female genital tract. By using non-human primate models, the study aims to identify how the virus interacts with immune cells shortly after exposure. The focus is on understanding the role of CD4 T cells and macrophages in the early stages of infection, which could lead to improved prevention strategies for women. The findings could provide critical insights into the biology of HIV transmission and inform the development of effective therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention methods for HIV-1 transmission in women, ultimately reducing infection rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding HIV transmission mechanisms, but this specific focus on female mucosal transmission is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kappes, John Christopher — Birmingham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kappes, John Christopher
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
-
Targeting spinal cord inflammation with a new HuR inhibitor to help SCI patients
A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
-
Genetics of Osteoarthritis and Recovery After Joint Replacement
A study looking at how genes affect osteoarthritis and recovery after hip or knee replacement to help tailor rehabilitation for veterans.
-
Home-based walking program for veterans with PAD using telehealth
A telehealth-based walking program is being tested to help veterans with peripheral artery disease improve activity and health at home.
-
Allopurinol to improve heart relaxation in Black adults with resistant high blood pressure
Giving allopurinol to Black adults with resistant high blood pressure to help the heart relax and work better.
-
Employment support for veterans with opioid use disorder
This project uses a personalized job‑support program called Individual Placement and Support to help veterans with opioid use disorder find and keep work while they receive treatment.
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.