Characterization of the Cellular Immune Response to Group B Streptococcal Vaginal Colonization.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) asymptomatic colonizes the female genital tract (FGT) but can contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes including pre-term birth, chorioamnionitis, and neonatal infection. We previously observed that GBS elicits FGT cytokine responses, including IL-17, during murine vaginal colonization; yet the anti-GBS cellular immune response during colonization remained unknown. We hypothesized that GBS may induce cellular immunity, resulting in FGT clearance.

Methods

Herein, we utilize depleting antibodies and knockout mice and performed flow cytometry to investigate cellular immunes responses during GBS colonization.

Results

We found that neutrophils (effectors of the IL-17 response) are important for GBS mucosal control as neutrophil depl

SUBMITTER: Spencer BL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12659609 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature