Selected Grantee Publications

HIV, Asymptomatic STI, and the Rectal Mucosal Immune Environment Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men

Van Doren et al., PLOS Pathogens. 2023.

https://www.doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1011219

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are affected disproportionately by HIV and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and therefore are likely to face an increased burden of associated chronic inflammation. Researchers studied the immunologic effects and interactions of HIV and bacterial STIs, as well as their effects on the rectal mucosal immune environment, among various populations of YMSM. Their findings suggest that asymptomatic bacterial STIs could contribute to inflammation, particularly among YMSM with HIV. This study provides insights into the immunopathogenesis of asymptomatic bacterial STIs and identifies a syndemic interaction between HIV and bacterial STIs in YMSM. Supported by ORIP (P51OD011132), NIAID, and NICHD.