Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) In Semen (R01)

Purpose. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) through its Division of Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Diseases (DKUHD) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Center for Population Research invite investigators to submit research grant applications that will increase the basic and clinical knowledge of the biology of HIV in semen. Direct exposure to semen of HIV seropositive men is a major route for transmission of HIV type I. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) focuses on studies that will elucidate the factors that determine HIV shedding in the male genital tract. This includes studies that elucidate the infectivity of HIV in semen fractions, the effect of antiretroviral therapy on HIV infectivity in semen fractions, the relationship between the immunobiology of the male genital tract and HIV replication and infectivity, and factors such as genital tract inflammation which influence HIV transmission through semen. Of particular interest are studies of the anatomic sites of virus infected cells and virus production in the male genital tract. The intent of this Funding opportunity is to encourage investigator-initiated research, to attract new investigators to the field, and to increase interdisciplinary research to enhance the scope and effectiveness of research in this area.