Research Projects

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common genital tract condition affecting women in reproductive age, leading to adverse obstetric and gynecological complications and increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections (sTIs), including HIV. Despite antibiotic therapy being effective, BV recurrences and asymptomatic incidences are common. The molecular mechanisms responsible for BV initiation and progression and those linked to recurrence are not well understood. G. vaginalis is also found in healthy women, and its diversity makes it difficult to determine if certain components are exclusive to BV-associated strains. Moreover, BV is associated with antibiotic resistance, leading to recurrence and relapse. To control BV effectively, novel approaches such as modulating immune responses are needed. Membrane vesicles (MVs), nanosized, lipid membrane structures secreted by bacteria, have immunogenic potential due to their diverse antigenic cargo. This project aims to evaluate the immunogenic potential of MVs obtained from clinical isolates of G. vaginalis in a murine model of BV. The MVs will undergo biochemical and biophysical characterization, proteomic analysis, and examination of their effect on cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses in vaginal epithelial cells.