Hyaluronan in cervical epithelia protects against infection-mediated preterm birth

摘要: Increased synthesis of cervical hyaluronan (HA) from early to late pregnancy has long been proposed play an essential role in disorganization the collagen-rich extracellular matrix allow for maximal compliance and dilation cervix during birth process. Here, we show that HA is not increased distensibility pregnancy. Rather, cervicovaginal plays unanticipated important epithelial barrier protection lower reproductive tract. Specifically, depletion vagina resulted inappropriate differentiation cells, mucosal permeability, strikingly preterm rates a mouse model ascending vaginal infection. Collectively, these findings revealed although obligatory compliance, it crucial maintaining limit pathogen infiltration tract thereby protective against infection-mediated birth.