NIH study to assess mechanisms of type I IFN signalling & HIV risk in female genital tract
A CAPRISA led study aimed to define the mechanisms of IFNα2 induction and its impact on interferon signalling and target cell phenotypes at the site of HIV transmission using longitudinal mucosal sampling from an ongoing clinical trial has been funded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
CAPRISA senior scientist and PI of the study, Dr Aida Sivro, said the study will provide “crucial information on the role of IFN signalling in HIV infection”. “The results of this study will provide key information on the role of pre-existing mucosal inflammation and the role of timing and duration of exogenous IFN stimulation on generation of potent antiviral immune responses in prevention and treatment of viral infections,” said Sivro.
The study, which will be conducted over 5 years, is in collaboration with scientists, Drs Steven Bosinger (Emory, Atlanta, USA), Lyle McKinnon (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada), and Prof Tulio de Oliveira (KRISP, SA).
CAPRISA co-investigators include Drs Tanuja Gengiah, senior scientist, and Nonhlanhla Yende Zuma, head of Statistics and Data Management at CAPRISA.