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Laura Romas

Since the global emergence of HIV, a particular subset of people has caught the interest of the HIV research community. It appears that some people, despite repeated exposure to HIV, have never become infected. Many studies have looked into the differences between these individuals and the rest of the population, showing differences in mucosal immune responses in cervical, salivary and foreskin secretions. However, little work has looked at mucosal immune differences in the rectum of MSM (men who have sex with men).

Laura Romas, an MSc student at the University of Manitoba, is working with data collected from a cohort of HIV- MSM, from the Venhälsan clinic in Stockholm Sweden, who are in a sero-discordant relationship (a relationship with an HIV+ partner). Using samples of rectal mucosal secretions, Laura is looking for anti-viral proteins that may imply a reduced susceptibility to HIV infection. So far, she’s has some promising results. “There are about four or five peptides that we are looking into right now that seem to be overexpressed in these men,” says Laura. “I’m looking at them now in HIV neutralization assays and hopefully we’ll get a few new targets.” Should these peptides show promise, they could be used as components of microbicide gels to prevent HIV transmission during intercourse.

It’s the direct applicability of the research that really attracted Laura. “I feel MSM are less covered in the current literature, especially HIV transmission through the rectum,” explains Laura. “We have very high powered technology to really get some really good targets that we can follow up on that may actually make a difference in people’s lives in the coming years.”

The CAHR Masters award is helping Laura in her research and her future goals. “It’s very reassuring to know that someone else thinks your research is as valuable as you think it is! The grant has helped me purchase tools to help me further my research and it’s a great CV booster.”

The Canadian Association for HIV Research is proud to support students like Laura Romas in their research through graduate research awards. Please visit https://www.cahr-acrv.ca/funding-opportunities/ to learn more.

Our Mission

  • Promote excellence in HIV research
  • Foster collaboration and cooperation among HIV research communities, including basic science, clinical science, epidemiology & public health and social science
  • Promote education and the development of new researchers
  • Provide a unified voice for Canadian HIV researchers and engage diverse stakeholders (community, industry, Government, NGO’s etc.) in ongoing dialogue and knowledge exchange to ensure that HIV research remains responsive to their needs
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CAHR 2023
April 27 to 30, 2023

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Recent News

  • When you’re registering for the e @AMMICana - CACMID annual conference on infectious diseases and diagnostic microbiology (March 28-31, 2023 in Toronto), remember that CAHR members receive a $35 discount on the full non-member conference registration! ammi.ca/en/annual-conf…
  • Last day to apply for the CAHR-@CANFAR Excellence in Research Awards! cahr-acrv.ca/awards/excelle… Dernier jour pour postuler aux Bourses d'excellence en recherche CAHR-@CANFAR! cahr-acrv.ca/fr/prix/prix-d… https://t.co/szhBdhZuRZ
  • Remember to apply for the CAHR-RV-@CAN Excellence in Research Awards by January 26th! cahr-acrv.ca/awards/excelle… Après le 26 janvier nous n’acceptons plus de candidatures aux Prix d'excellence en recherche ACRV-RV-@CAN! cahr-acrv.ca/fr/prix/prix-d… https://t.co/bhgkCEDBmD
  • Reminder: Apply Now – A workshop on “Jumpstarting your Participatory Social-Behavioural Health Intervention” cahr-acrv.ca/wp-content/upl… UmnUV @CBRC weets @CAT EInfo @Giving_
  • Rappel : Postulez maintenant - Un atelier sur « Lancez votre intervention participative en santé sociocomportementale ». cahr-acrv.ca/wp-content/upl… ZS @CBRCtwe ts @CATIEI fo @Giving_It_
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About CAHR

With a membership of more than 1,000 researchers and others interested in HIV research, the Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR) is the leading organization of HIV/AIDS researchers in Canada. CAHR is the organizing body for the Annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research (CAHR Conference).

CAHR encourages Canadian researchers to be leaders in knowledge translation and to effectively respond both to the Canadian and global HIV/AIDS epidemics. Since its founding in 1991, CAHR has promoted excellence in HIV research, including mentorship and career development of investigators entering the field.

CAHR fosters collaboration and co-operation among HIV research communities, including basic, clinical and social sciences, epidemiology and public health. CAHR also engages people living with HIV/AIDS and AIDS service organizations in ongoing dialogue and information exchange to ensure that HIV/AIDS research remains responsive to the epidemic and its stakeholders.

CAHR is a registered charity.

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For more information or to make a comment, please contact us:

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