Navigating Preterm Birth Challenges: Exploring a predictive and preventive approach through vagina microbiome modulation against preterm birth and neonatal outcomes related to group B streptococci. 01/11/2024 - 31/10/2026

Abstract

Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of pregnancies annually. Despite extensive research, preterm birth rates continue to rise worldwide. The vaginal microbiome composition, a.k.a. microorganisms inhabiting the vaginal ecosystem, influences preterm birth risk and neonatal health outcomes. Variation in the vaginal microbiome composition, particularly decreased lactobacilli abundance and colonization by Group B Streptococcus, correlates with a higher risk of preterm labour. Worryingly, current antibiotic therapies have limitations, including emerging resistance and disturbance of host microbiota balance. Thus, there is a need to investigate predictive and novel preventive strategies to decrease preterm birth rates. As predictive strategies, the present project proposes (a) to explore the already available clinical data using novel bioinformatic tools for the identification of predictive factors (b) to map the vaginal microbiome composition and elucidate its interacting networks (not explored before). In addition, as a preventive strategy, we aim to screen the host lab lactobacilli isolates collection against Group B Streptococcus isolates. Finally, utilizing advanced techniques such as the vagina-on-a-chip model, we will select ten lactobacilli and uncover their interaction with GBS within a physiologically relevant environment, guiding the selection of probiotic candidates.

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  • Research Project

Exploration of synthetic communities as a tool to modulate the vaginal microbiome. 01/11/2024 - 31/10/2026

Abstract

The crucial role of the vaginal microbiome in women's health cannot be overstated. Disruptions to this ecosystem by pathobionts can result in the development of prevalent vaginal conditions, including bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. These infections not only affect physical health but have also broader implications for women's well-being, society, and the economy. Current treatment methods involve the use of antibiotics or probiotics, but concerns about emerging antimicrobial drug resistance and a lack of solid evidence for the efficacy of current probiotics are frequently raised. This PhD project explores an innovative approach using synthetic communities (SynComs) to develop vaginal therapeutics. First, a top-down approach will be used to screen and select consortia of vaginal microbiota, emphasizing synergistic interactions and eliminating antagonistic effects. A bottom-up approach will validate the top-down findings, providing defined communities suitable for automation and scaling up. Simultaneously, these defined SynComs will undergo testing for their probiotic potential, comparing them with single strains through in vitro anti-pathobiont assays, community fitness analyses, and implementation into cutting-edge vaginal cell models. This research project will offer ground-breaking insights into a novel approach to establishing robust, safe, and effective microbiome-targeted therapies.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project