Department of Health and Human Services: Understanding

Deadline: 17 August 2016

The Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health is currently inviting applications for its Understanding STI Co-Infection in at Risk and HIV Infected Adolescents and Young Adults with an aim to facilitate improved understanding of the interactions between HIV and STIs in the adolescent genital and gastrointestinal mucosa.

HIV incidence in adolescents and young adults is increasing. Co-infection with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV increase the likelihood of transmission of HIV. The physiological aspects of STI co-infections and HIV acquisition in adolescents are understudied but likely play a significant role in the adolescent HIV epidemic globally. Understanding the biological risks for co-infection and interactions between HIV and STIs in adolescents and young adults will contribute knowledge to improve prevention and treatment measures to control the epidemic in this vulnerable group.

Responsive Areas of Research

Basic research on the impact of STIs on adolescent genital and GI mucosa and HIV risk.
Evaluation of the effects of anatomical and histological sexual maturation on the impact of STIs and HIV.
Evaluation of the effects of fluctuating hormonal levels on adolescent mucosal immunology and function.
Studies of the impact of hormonal contraceptives given to young girls on immune protection (innate and adaptive) in the female genital tract and HIV risk.
Evaluations of the impact of exogenous hormone replacement given to young boys who are transitioning gender on immune protection (innate and adaptive) in the anogenital tract and HIV risk.

Funding Information

Estimated Total Program Funding is $1,100,000
Award Ceiling is $300,000

Eligibility Criteria

State governments
Special district governments
Private institutions of higher education
Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments)
City or township governments
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Small businesses
County governments
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Independent school districts
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.