The relationship between sex hormones, the vaginal microbiome and immunity in HIV-1 susceptibility in women.

摘要: The role of sex hormones in regulating immune responses the female genital tract has been recognized for decades. More recently, it become increasingly clear that regulate susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections through direct and indirect mechanisms involving inflammation responses. reproductive cycle can influence simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) primates HIV-1 infection ex vivo cervical tissues from women. Exogenous hormones, such as those found hormonal contraceptives, have come under intense scrutiny because increased seen women using medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin-based contraceptive. Recent meta-analyses concluded acetate enhanced by 40%. In contrast, estradiol-containing contraceptives were not associated with some studies reported protective effect estrogen on HIV/SIV infection, although underlying remain incompletely understood. describe key vaginal microbiota determining infections, including HIV-1. While Lactobacillus spp.-dominated is decreased susceptibility, complex microbiota, bacterial vaginosis, correlates Interestingly, are inherently linked regulation tract. Estrogen postulated play establishing Lactobacillus-dominated microenvironment, whereas hypo-estrogenic effects. aim this Review contribute better understanding sex-hormone-microbiome-immunity axis, which provide information determinants and, consequently, inform prevention strategies.