LSU DENTAL COBRE: ORAL HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION IN HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Introduction: Systemic immune reconstitution for the HIV-positive patient has been accomplished with highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) with an associated decrease in many oral infections. However recent reports have noted increases in oral pathology consistent with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a virus found in both oral and genital tracts of HIV-positive patients. The goal of this project is to evaluate the impact of HAART on HPV infection in the oral cavity of HIV-positive individuals. To achieve this, longitudinally collected oral swabs, saliva and blood as well as lesion-positive tissue, will be used to examine local and systemic immune responses to HPV in HIV-positive individuals. Objective: To enroll subjects into this clinical study; to set-up a lab with the necessary equipment for sample analysis; to become educated as a scientific investigator. Methods: Working with the mentoring team to clarify patient enrollment and stratification and set up the lab; attend COBRE educational activities. Results: The following is progress from year 1: Subjects have been enrolled, oral swabs obtained, saliva and blood collected. DNA has been extracted from the swabs and salivary cell pellet to test for the presence of HPV and the saliva supernatant frozen for future cytokine and HPV antibody detection. A clinical coordinator 0.5 FTE, a research associate (0.5 FTE) and a student worker have been hired. The PI is working with the research associate to optimize the laboratory techniques necessary for this project. The PI participated in COBRE sponsored monthly journal club, grant seeker sessions, comprehensive clinical training course, progress reports and presentations as well as attending an NIH grantwriters workshop, the 2005 IADR/AADR annual meeting in Baltimore and the 22nd International Papillomavirus Conference in Vancouver. Conclusion: The PI with support from the mentoring team is poised to become a clinical researcher capable to obtaining independent funding.