Immune parameters of HIV susceptibility in the female genital tract before and after penile-vaginal sex.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In women, most HIV infections are acquired through penile-vaginal sex. Inflammation in the female genital tract (FGT) increases the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, likely through recruitment of HIV target cells and disruption of epithelial barrier integrity. Although sex may have important immune and epithelial effects, the impact of receptive penile-vaginal sex on the immune correlates of HIV susceptibility in the female genital tract is not well described.

Methods

STI-free heterosexual couples were recruited to the Sex, Couples and Science (SECS) Study, with the serial collection of cervical secretions (CVS), endocervical cytobrushes, blood and semen before and up to 72 h after either condomless (n = 29) or condom-protected (n = 8) penile

SUBMITTER: Mohammadi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9142516 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature