Epithelial Cells in the Female Reproductive Tract: a Central Role as Sentinels of Immune Protection

摘要: The continued presence of bacterial and viral antigens in the lumen vagina coupled with periodic lumena upper reproductive tract provide an ongoing challenge that can compromise female health threaten life. Separating underlying tissues from luminal antigens, polarized epithelial cells cervix, uterus Fallopian tubes have evolved to protect against potential pathogens. Once thought function exclusively by providing a crucial barrier, mucosal are now known as sentinels recognize respond ways lead killing, well signal immune when pathogenic exceeds their protective capacity. Unique is regulatory control sex hormones. Acting both directly indirectly through stromal cells, estradiol progesterone regulate cell innate adaptive functions pathogens while environment supports allogeneic fetus. In this article, we will outline how first line defense tract.