HIV-Exposed Seronegative Female Sex Workers Show Different Cellular Immune Profiles Across the Menstrual Cycle.

ABSTRACT:

Problem

Female sex workers (FSWs) are at higher risk of acquiring HIV. Interestingly, some FSWs who are highly exposed remain seronegative for HIV (HESN). This natural resistance to HIV infection has been attributed to an immune quiescence (IQ) phenotype. Our study investigates how the menstrual cycle phases (follicular and luteal) impact the immune responses in Kenyan FSWs.

Methods

This is a part of the Longitudinal Assessment of Mucosal Immune Quiescence study (LAMIQ), 48 FSWs not living with HIV and not using hormonal contraception were followed for a menstrual cycle and divided into two groups based on duration of sex work: New Negative (NN) with 3 years or less and HESN with at least 7 years of involvement in sex work. We obtained blood and cervicovaginal samples and me

SUBMITTER: Kowatsch MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12716113 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature