Kerry J. Murphy, MD

My clinical translational research is focused on the impact of reproductive hormones, both endogenous and exogenous on genital tract mucosal immunity and the vaginal microbiome in HIV-infected and at risk women.  The  goal of this work is to identify the biologic mechanisms that mediate changes in genital tract immunity and the vaginal microbiome in the setting of high progesterone states e.g. progesterone-dominant hormonal contraceptives and low estrogen states e.g. menopause as these states represent periods of vulnerability for HIV acquisition and transmission.  The long-term goal of this research is to develop targeted interventions to augment these hormonally responsive changes in the genital tract in order improve genital tract health and HIV prevention.