HIV & Oral Scientific Working Group

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section PROGRAM ABSTRACT/SUMMARY SCIENTIFIC WORKING GROUP: HIV AND ORAL HEATH The Providence/Boston (Prov/Bos) CFAR has established the HIV and Oral Health Scientific Working Group (SWG) to address research gaps in our understanding of how HIV and associated co-morbidities contribute to oral diseases and to develop new multidisciplinary research endeavors related to HIV and oral health, with a focus on supporting early stage investigators. This SWG expands the mission of the Prov/Bos CFAR which is focused on improving HIV and related health outcomes. Persons with HIV (PWH) are at risk of many types of oral diseases including HIV-related opportunistic infections, caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancers including human papillomavirus (HPV)-related malignancy and squamous cell carcinoma with increased incidence among PWH who smoke and drink alcohol. Opioid and stimulant use also contribute to oral diseases and poor access to dental care and oral health screenings can significantly exacerbate these health challenges among PWH. In addition, there are complex relationships between HIV and the oral mucosa related to chronic inflammation and mucosal immunity that impact HIV transmission, latency, and treatment. This SWG responds to existing research gaps by supporting innovative clinical, behavioral, translational, and basic science research intended to reduce the incidence and morbidity of oral diseases among PWH. Scientific objectives of the SWG include: 1) Developing and expanding the delivery of HIV testing, prevention, and linkage services in dental clinics to support the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of HIV; 2) Exploring the epidemiology and natural history of oral HPV infection, including HPV-related cancer, among PWH; 3) Examining the impact of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, and use of oral buprenorphine as treatment for opioid use disorder, as contributors to oral diseases including cancer among PWH; 4) Advancing diagnostics and treatments for HIV- related opportunistic infections of the oropharynx; 5) Supporting social and behavioral science research including examining the impact of HIV on access to dental care; and 6) Supporting translational and basic science research including chronic inflammation in the oral cavity, HIV and mucosal epithelial interactions, HIV and the oral microbiome, and HIV and immune mechanisms. The goals of the SWG are achieved through 1) bimonthly SWG meetings; 2) quarterly Steering Committee meetings; and 3) an annual SWG research day. The goals of the SWG are accomplished by developing new collaborations between HIV, dental, other oral health researchers, and the CFAR Community Engaged Research Council, to address important scientific questions prioritized by the National Institutes of Health and by fostering the career development of junior researchers.