Sexually transmitted infections (STDs) not only affect an individual’s health but also result in multi-billion dollar economic losses worldwide. To study these diseases, a team of researchers developed a first-of-its-kind immune-competent “organ-on-a-chip” model that realistically replicates the human cervical environment, allowing scientists to study how the microbiome, the immune system, and STIs interact—something not previously possible with cell cultures or animal cultures. Scientists from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and School of Dentistry (UMSOD), the University of Delaware and the University of Virginia published the research in the journal Advances in Science.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea account for a significant share of the STI burden, with combined direct medical costs estimated at approximately $1 billion annually in the United States alone, due to their high incidence and associated complications. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports nearly one million new STD infections every day among people aged 15 to 49, including 129 million new cases of chlamydia annually. In addition to their economic impact, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications for women, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth.
This new model will revolutionize the way scientists study STDs, leading to an improved understanding of these conditions, as well as the potential for better treatments. The other strong part of this research was its interdisciplinary research collaboration. By integrating engineering, microbiology, immunology and microbiome science, we were able to create a model that more closely reflects human biology and the complexity of the cervical microenvironment.”
Jacques Ravel, PhD, co-lead author, Director of the Center for Microbial Research and Innovation (CAMRI) at UMSOM’s Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS). the John L. Whitehurst Professor of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology and Assistant Dean for Advancement Research at UMSOM
The organ-on-a-chip model, scientifically known as a “microphysiological system,” simulates the human cervix using cervical epithelial cells, supporting tissue cells, immune cells, fluid flow, and microbiomes typically found in the vagina. The model consists of a porous membrane layered with human cervical cells on one side and supporting cells on the other. Fluids flow on both sides, mimicking normal conditions. When microbiomes and pathogens are added, the model replicates key aspects of what happens in the human cervix.
“A key goal was to develop a complex model system that is both practical and accessible, allowing researchers outside bioengineering laboratories to adopt and apply it to answer important biological questions,” said Jason Gleghorn, PhD, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Delaware, who led the development of the model. “The need for this model was particularly critical for studying the vaginal microbiome, which we know plays an important role in susceptibility to STDs.”
After developing the model, the research team tested it using two sexually transmitted infections: chlamydia, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, and gonorrhea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
“One of the most exciting findings was that as in women, protective microbiomes dominated Lactobacillus crispatus limited infection in the model, further highlighting the critical role of the vaginal microbiome in STD risk. “In contrast, when we introduced ‘suboptimal’ microbiomes, the infections got worse,” said Dr. For the first time, we can simulate what happens in the human body instead of relying solely on Petri dish systems or inadequate animal models.”
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