Immune responses to vaginal candidiasis in African women: A scoping review of cytokine profiles, T-cell activation, and gene expression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent immunological studies of vaginal candidiasis in African populations have revealed complex host‒pathogen interactions with implications for therapeutic development and HIV acquisition risk.

Objective

This scoping review synthesized evidence from Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, and Kenya between 2020 and 2024, focusing on immune responses, cellular dynamics, and tissue effects due vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Results

Analysis revealed a coordinated inflammatory response marked by elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 and increased chemokine IL-8-mediated immune cell recruitment. Compared with those in control individuals, distinct T-cell population patterns in colonized individuals show reduced Th17-like CD4+ T-cell activation, wit

SUBMITTER: Jonani B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12017564 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature