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Structure, immunity and microbiome: Human 3D biomimetics cervicovaginal models for sexually transmitted infections (SIM-STI)

Award Number: U19AI158930
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/20/2021
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2026

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Structure, immunity and microbiome: Human 3D biomimetics cervicovaginal models for sexually transmitted infections (SIM-STI) - PROJECT SUMMARY Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most prevalent infections in humans worldwide. Decades of studies using animal and cell culture models as well as ex vivo data have yielded considerable knowledge on what causes these infections and how these infections proceed from the initial infection to disease outcomes. The two most prevalent STIs, chlamydia and gonorrhea, are caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Although many virulence factors are well characterized for these two pathogens, much remains to be known about their path toward causing pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal infertility and life-threatening ectopic pregnancy. Limitations of existing model systems are highlighted by a poor understanding of the role of the cervicovaginal microbiota in gonococcal susceptibility or resistance to infection and often conflicting available information on how C. trachomatis may persist silently in a host without symptoms to only reappear sometimes years later and cause severe disease. The proposed Biomimetics Cooperative Research Center “Structure, Immunity, Microbiome: Human 3D Biomimetic Cervicovaginal Models for Sexually Transmitted Infections” represents a pioneering effort by collaborating engineers and molecular microbiologists to develop a novel three- dimensional biomimetic model of the human cervicovaginal mucosa amenable to the study of STIs caused by C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. The model faithfully reconstructs the target tissue of infection by these two pathogens including an anoxic environment, cervicovaginal epithelial cells, the underlying stroma with fibroblasts, and the vasculature lined by endothelial cells, through which immune cells can be delivered to the infected tissue. SIM-STI will allow for the first time an evaluation of the role of the cervicovaginal microbiota, the menstrual cycle and co-infection on chlamydial and gonococcal pathogenesis and host response to infection. This inexpensive, easy to use biomimetic model holds the promise of resolving many questions of pathogenesis, but also to serve as a preclinical platform for testing preventive and therapeutic strategies against STIs.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $1,494,401 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE	220 ARCH ST OFC LEVEL2	BALTIMORE	MD	21201	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	5	6/6/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,494,401
														Subtotal = $1,494,401

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $1,516,681 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE	220 ARCH ST OFC LEVEL2	BALTIMORE	MD	21201	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	4	3/21/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,516,681
														Subtotal = $1,516,681

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $1,533,578 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND	220 ARCH ST RM 02148	BALTIMORE	MD	21201	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	3	3/16/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,533,578
														Subtotal = $1,533,578

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $1,524,640 )
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND	220 ARCH ST RM 02148	BALTIMORE	MD	21201	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	2	3/23/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,524,640
														Subtotal = $1,524,640

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $1,601,744 )
2021	2021	UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND	220 ARCH ST RM 02148	BALTIMORE	MD	21201	BALTIMORE CITY	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	4/20/2021	NEW	$1,601,744
														Subtotal = $1,601,744

Grand Total All Awards = $7,671,044

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Structure, immunity and microbiome: Human 3D biomimetics cervicovaginal models for sexually transmitted infections (SIM-STI)

Award Number: U19AI158930

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/20/2021

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2026

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