Contact: Dr. Isaac Rodriguez-Chavez, 301-594-7985, isaac@nidcr.nih.gov
The AIDS and Immunosuppression Program supports extramural basic and translational research on HIV infection and AIDS to advance understanding of the underlying molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms that enable or prevent HIV infection and development of oral complications associated with AIDS.
In addition, the program encourages research that is responsive to the NIH Roadmap Initiatives.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Oral Manifestations of Opportunistic Infections in Immunosuppressed Patients
NIDCR funds research to develop biomedical and behavioral strategies to prevent oral transmission of HIV as well as oral manifestations of HIV infections and AIDS. Oral infections associated with immunosuppression have been noted as the initial manifestation of HIV infection and are markers for disease progression. Investigators in this program are conducting research on the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of these infections. Researchers are studying the pathogenesis, prevalence, and severity of oropharyngeal lesions caused by:
- Epstein Barr virus (EBV)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- Human papillomarvirus (HPV)
- and Kaposi's sarcoma associated virus (HHV8) infections
Oral Transmission
NIDCR is supporting research to better understand the transmission of HIV infection through the oral route to develop safe and effective strategies to block HIV infection. The role of the mucosal immune system and the cells infected by HIV remain important areas of study. Recent investigations show that HIV infection can occur via the oral route in animal model systems. Although the risk of HIV infection via the oral route is small, oral sex is not considered synonymous with safe sex. In addition, the possible oral transmission of HIV via breast milk is another area of investigation. NIDCR also is interested in supporting studies that will examine the structure, biology, genetics, physiology, and biochemistry of the oral mucosa in regard to susceptibility or resistance to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and replication.
Mucosal Immunity/Vaccines
An intact immune system is necessary for god oral health. For this reason, the program supports basic and translational research on prevention and treatment of HIV-induced immunosuppression. Research on immune enhancement through the use of vaccines or biological modifiers is central to designing effective and safe methods to block the oral complications of AIDS and HIV infection. Vaccines are of interest that will make use of oral and nasopharyngeal tissues as the route of entry to boost local and systemic innate as well as adaptive immunity to HIV and other pathogens associated with the oral complications of HIV/AIDS.
Diagnosis/Prevention/Treatment
NIDCR supports research on the early detection, prevention, and treatment of HIV infection and AIDS. Further research is needed to identify the molecular and cellular basis for inhibition of Candida, EBV, HPV, CMV, HSV, HHV8, and HIV infection by factors expressed in saliva and oral mucosal tissues. Studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of action of these factors and to model biologically active peptide regions within the pathogens. Research also is necessary to construct bioactive synthetic peptides and recombinant salivary proteins, and to develop systems for their delivery.
Future Directions
Areas of Specific Need :
- Molecular and cellular mucosal immunobiology
- Genomics
- Proteomics
- Development of improved animal and in vitro models
- Biomarkers
- Enhancement of innate and adaptive immune response to HIV and AIDS-related opportunistic pathogens
Additional Information
For further information about the NIDCR AIDS and Oral Manifestations of Immunosuppression Program, please contact:
Dr. Isaac Rodriguez-Chavez
Director, AIDS and Immunosuppression Program
Integrative Biology and Infectious Diseases Branch-DER
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
6701 Democracy Blvd., Rm. 626
Bethesda, MD 20892-4878
(20817 for express deliveries)
Telephone: (301) 594-7985
Fax: (301) 402-3684
E-mail: isaac@nidcr.nih.gov