Karla R. Nephew

TL;DR: G glycerol monolaurate—a widely used antimicrobial compound with inhibitory activity against the production of MIP-3α and other proinflammatory cytokines—can inhibit mucosal signalling and the innate and inflammatory response to HIV-1 and SIV in vitro, and in vivo it can protect rhesus macaques from acute infection despite repeated intra-vaginal exposure to high doses of SIV.

TL;DR: GML was tested both in vitro for its effects on vaginal flora lactobacilli and in vivo as a 5% gel administered vaginally to monkeys, suggesting that GML is safe for chronic use in monkeys when applied vaginally; it does not alter either mucosal microflora or integrity.

TL;DR: GML used daily and before vaginal challenge protects against repeat high doses of SIV by criteria that include virological and immunological assays to detect occult infection and provides evidence for indirect mechanisms of action in GML-mediated protection.

TL;DR: The development of a highly loaded vaginal cream that could be loaded with up to 35% GML is described, and vaginal drug levels and safety after local administration in macaques are described, suggesting that high-dose GML formulations do not induce local adverse effects.