A recent study conducted at UTMB has shown potential in finding possible “protective,” bacteria which could provide resistance against HIV and its replication. This study, led by Richard Pyles, examines the symbiotic nature of microbial communities growing on vaginal epithelial cells and its possible role in preventing sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, according to a recent report published in PLOS One online on March 27. The news also appears in Medical News Today, BioPortfolio and Science Daily.