This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Research efforts to develop topical microbicides for intravaginal use for prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV have been ongoing for nearly a decade. Products must be tested to ensure that the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is prevented, and that the vaginal and rectal environments, including the epithelium, are preserved. We have developed a useful model to evaluate the safety of topical microbicide products after vaginal and rectal use in the pigtailed macaque. We have used this model to study the effects of single and repeated applications of microbicides on vaginal and rectal microflora and epithelium. One of the strengths of this macaque model is the similar vaginal microflora shared by the pigtailed macaque and humans. The presence of endogenous lactobacilli, and of H2O2-producing lactobacilli in particular, provides for studies which determine a product's influence on vaginal microbiology and more importantly on the production of H2O2 in the vaginal milieu, which is known to have antimicrobial properties.
The specific aims of this project are to document the colonization and cyanovirin secretion of an optimized lactobacillus product in the macaque model. Additionally, we will use the macaque model to assess the safety of vaginally and rectally applied products developed in this Program. These macaque studies will provide important preclinical data for advancing the Program's topical microbicide product to phase I clinical trials.
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