Researchers develop first-of-its-kind immune-capable "organ-on-a-chip" to study STIs

Scientists from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and collaborating institutions have developed a first-of-its-kind immune-capable "organ-on-a-chip" model that replicates the human cervical environment, according to a press release from the University. The research, published in the journal Science Advances, introduced a microphysiological system that allows for the simultaneous study of the microbiome, immune system, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This technology aims to address the limitations of oversimplified cell cultures and animal models that previously hindered the study of complex cervical interactions.

The global burden of STIs remains a significant health and economic challenge, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting nearly 1 million new infections each day among people ages 15 to 49. Annually, this includes 129 million new cases of chlamydia. In the United States alone, the combined direct medical costs for chlamydia and gonorrhea are estimated at approximately $1 billion annually. Beyond economic losses, these infections can lead to serious complications in women’s health, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth.

Engineering a realistic cervical microenvironment

The organ-on-a-chip model simulates the human cervix by integrating cervical epithelial cells, supportive tissue cells, immune cells, and fluid flow. The architecture consists of a porous membrane layered with human cervical cells on 1 side and supportive cells on the other, with fluids flowing across both sides to mimic physiological conditions.

“This new model will revolutionize how scientists study STIs, leading to an improved understanding of these conditions, as well as the potential for better treatments,” said Jacques Ravel, PhD, co-lead author and Director of the Center for Microbiome Research and Innovation (CAMRI) at UMSOM.

“The other powerful part of this research has been its cross-discipline collaboration in the research. By integrating engineering, microbiology, immunology, and microbiome science, we were able to build a model that more closely reflects human biology and the complexity of the cervical microenvironment.”

The development of the model was led by Jason Gleghorn, PhD, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Delaware, who added, “A key goal was to develop a complex model system that is both practical and accessible, enabling researchers outside of bioengineering labs to adopt it and apply it to answer important biological questions. The need for this model was particularly critical for studying the vaginal microbiome, which we know plays an important role in susceptibility to STIs.”

Validation through pathogen testing

The research team tested the microphysiological system using 2 specific STIs: chlamydia, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, and gonorrhea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The model successfully replicated key aspects of human infection, specifically demonstrating how different microbiomes influence the severity of disease.

“One of the most exciting findings was that just like in women, protective microbiomes dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus limited infection in the model, highlighting further the critical role of the vaginal microbiome in STI risk,” said Ravel. “In contrast, when we introduced ‘nonoptimal’ microbiomes, infections worsened. This model provides a powerful new tool to develop faster, more effective, and personalized treatments, to test new therapies, such as probiotics or live biotherapeutics to ultimately protect women from infections before they occur. For the first time, we can simulate what happens in the human body rather than relying solely on a petri dish systems or inadequate animal models.”

Reference:

Scientists from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and colleagues create the first-ever immune-capable “cervix-on-a-Chip” to study sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Press release. University of Maryland School of Medicine. Published April 3, 2026. Accessed April 3, 2026. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1122615