The effect of Lactobacilli and female sex hormones on the innate immune responses of vaginal epithelial cells.

Abstract

The female genital tract represents the first line of defence against HIV. Biological factors such as female sex hormones, and the vaginal microbiota are known to affect HIV susceptibility at this site. The female sex hormone estradiol is known to play a protective role, whereas the progestin based contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate increases HIV susceptibility HIV. In addition, a Lactobacilli dominant vaginal microbiota is generally protective against HIV. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of female sex hormones, and Lactobacilli on the innate immune response of vaginal epithelial cells.