Grant: Operating Grant - PA: CHVI Vaccine Discovery and Social Research

This proposal's goal is to limit the number of target cells that HIV infects in the female genital tract. A long-term study of commercial sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya who are intensely exposed to HIV yet remain uninfected has shown us that the immune systems of these women are very unique. They are exceptional in that they have significantly fewer HIV target cells in their genital tract. The goal of this study is to try to induce that state of fewer HIV target cells in other women. To do this we will use a very safe and inexpensive drug, hydroxychloroquine, that limits improper activation of immune cells and prevents them from being targets for HIV infection. In this proposal, we will assess the role of this drug in a test tube tissue model, in animal studies and in human volunteer studies. Through this study, we should able to reduce the number of HIV target cells in the female genital tract and in doing so provide a novel level of protection from HIV infection that could be exploited on its own or in combination with other prevention strategies.