Role of the oral microbiome in driving local and systemic inflammation in HIV

Grant: R01 DE032624

Overview: This project examines the role of the oral microbiome in driving local and systemic
inflammation in people living with HIV, particularly focusing on how interactions between oral
and gut microbes may impact immune responses. Given previous findings that changes in the
gut microbiome are linked to chronic inflammation during HIV infection, this study extends the
investigation to the oral microbiome, analyzing its association with inflammatory markers, like
soluble CD14, and conditions such as periodontitis. By clarifying how the oral-gut microbial axis
influences HIV-related inflammation, the project aims to uncover mechanisms that increase
susceptibility to oral STIs and support future research on HIV-related immune health.