Innate Immunity and Microbiome of the Human Female Reproductive Tract

Globally, women are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI) including HIV. The immune system of the female reproductive tract (FRT) balances the unique role of providing protection against pathogens while ensuring successful reproduction to occur. FRT immunity is multi-layered and intricately regulated by sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. The vaginal microbiome plays a major role in the protection of the FRT and dysbiosis of the microbiome can lead to bacterial vaginosis, which makes women susceptible to HIV/STI. The objective of this presentation is to provide an overview of the innate immune responses of the human FRT and discuss how microbial dysbiosis can compromise women’s health.

Learning Objectives:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts of innate immunity in the human female reproductive tract.

2. Explain how vaginal microbial dysbiosis compromises women’s health.

3. Summarize the mechanisms of how vaginal microbiome dysbiosis can impact the risk of HIV acquisition.