Optimization of the ex Vivo Challenge

The overall purpose of this research study is to collect vaginal and cervical biopsies from healthy HIV negative participants. These samples will enable investigators to optimize laboratory methods and explore implementation challenges associated with the ex vivo challenge model. The first objective is to assess which HIV virus is best for use in the model. The second objective is to determine the best endpoint for the assay. The primary aim of this study is to collect an adequate number of cervical and vaginal biopsies to support the optimization of an ex vivo challenge model. This ex vivo challenge model has been and will continue to be used in topical microbicide clinical trials to predict the efficacy of candidate drugs.