Expression of Multiple Anti-Viral Molecules Within the Mucosal Milieu via Bacteriophage-Mediated Plasmid Transduction of Endogenous Mucosal Bacterial Populations

Lactobacillus bacteria, typically found in the cervix and vagina of healthy women, have been found to provide a natural barrier against HIV infection. Dr. Leonard Damelin will investigate whether anti-HIV molecules can be introduced via bacteriophages into existing Lactobacillus populations to further fortify this protective barrier.