Innate and adaptive immune responses in male and female reproductive tracts in homeostasis and following HIV infection

Abstract

The male and female reproductive tracts are complex microenvironments that have diverse functional demands. The immune system in the reproductive tract has the demanding task of providing a protective environment for a fetal allograft while simultaneously conferring protection against potential pathogens. As such, it has evolved a unique set of adaptations, primarily under the influence of sex hormones, which make it distinct from other mucosal sites. Here, we discuss the various components of the immune system that are present in both the male and female reproductive tracts, including innate soluble factors and cells and humoral and cell-mediated adaptive immunity under homeostatic conditions. We review the evidence showing unique phenotypic and functional characteristics of immune cells and responses in the male and female reproductive tracts that exhibit compartmentalization from systemic immunity and discuss how these features are influenced by sex hormones. We also examine the interactions among the reproductive tract, sex hormones and immune responses following HIV-1 infection. An improved understanding of the unique characteristics of the male and female reproductive tracts will provide insights into improving clinical treatments of the immunological causes of infertility and the design of prophylactic interventions for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Integrating Inflammasome Signaling in Sexually Transmitted Infections

“…These tissue-resident macrophages and DCs endeavor to eliminate the infectious agent by phagocytosis while augmenting cytokine and chemokine production to expand cellular recruitment. Moreover, activated DCs serve to bridge innate and adaptive immunity by migrating into draining lymph nodes where they prime antigen-specific T cells and initiate B cell responses 100, 101, 102, 103.…”

“…Thus, commensal flora, but also reproductive hormones and locally available cues, shape the immune responses and differentiation of cells in the upper and lower genital tract. The role of these factors as well as non-inflammasome PRRs in the reproductive system are discussed in depth elsewhere 101, 103, 111, 112. However, many non-inflammasome PRRs have essential roles in priming inflammasomes, as discussed above and thus a discussion of their importance relative to inflammasome activation during STIs is included.…”

Reproductive issues in HIV-infected couples and the possibility of their correction with the help of assisted reproductive technology (a review)

“…По мнению некоторых авторов [8][9][10][11], частота развития воспалительных процессов органов малого таза у женщин с ВИЧ-инфекцией выше в 2-7 раз. В результате чего данная категория женщин более под-вержена развитию трубно-перитонеального беспло-дия, внематочной беременности, хронической тазо-вой боли.…”

Reproductive Immunology Issue One: Cellular and Molecular Biology

“…This special issue begins with a comprehensive review by Nguyen et al 10 of the immune systems of non-pregnant female and male reproductive tracts and the impact of endocrine influences. The unique compartmentalization of the reproductive tract from systemic immunity is emphasized as is its susceptibility to HIV-1 infection through sexual activity.…”