The role of female genital tract microbial function in inflammation and HIV infection risk

The primary aims of this project are to use metaproteomics data to describe the microbial activities and properties that drive genital inflammation, reduce epithelial barrier integrity and increase HIV infection risk. 

Hypotheses generated are then validated by in vitro characterisation of bacterial isolates from the same women. Another aim of this work is to identify biomarkers of sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis for point-of-care diagnostic development.

Objective

This project spans multiple cohort studies, including the Women’s Initiative in Sexual Health (WISH), the Mucosal Injury from Sexual Contact (MISC), and the Depo Provera and Beyond studies. As part of these studies, mucosal specimens for characterisation of the metaproteome and for bacterial isolation are being (or have been) collected.

Timeline 

2016–ongoing.