Characterization of the Genital Mucosa Immune Profile to Distinguish Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: Implications for HIV Susceptibility.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inflammation and immune activation are key factors in sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We sought to define the impact of hormonal cycling on the mucosal immune environment and HIV risk in sex workers with a natural menstrual cycle.

Methods

We compared soluble mucosal immune factors and cervical mononuclear cells during hormone titer-defined phases of the menstrual cycle among 37 sex workers from Nairobi, Kenya. Systemic and mucosal samples were collected 14 days apart to distinguish the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and phases were confirmed by hormone measurements. Vaginal concentrations of 19 immune modulators and cervical T-cell activation markers were measured.

Results

The follicular phase signature was c

SUBMITTER: Boily-Larouche G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6386813 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature