Training Years: 2021 – 2022
Training Site: University of Zambia
Country: Zambia
Mentors: Kristina De Paris, PhD, MS; Bellington Vwalika, M.Med, MSc; Mimi Ghosh, PhD, MS; Alberto Bosque, PhD, MBA; Joni Price, MD, MPH
Title: “Immunomodulation, the vaginal microbiome, and preterm birth among women living with HIV”
Program Objectives:
Aim 1. Define S1P signaling in the female reproductive tract (FRT) in WLWH and HIV-negative women during pregnancy and investigate its association with the FRT microbiome, immune state, and preterm birth (PTB).
Aim 2. Establish the extent to which S1P receptor expression/ S1P levels may be modulated in the FRT by treatment with immunomodulators known to dampen inflammation and reduce HIV cell-to-cell spread.
NIH Support: NICHD
