Open AccessInduction of mucosal immune responses in the human genital tract
Author(s) -
Mestecky Jiri,
Russell Michael W
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2000.tb01449.x
Subject(s) - immune system , biology , immunology , antibody , saliva , genital tract , sex organ , secretory component , secretory iga , transmission (telecommunications) , immunoglobulin a , incidence (geometry) , j chain , immunity , mucous membrane , virology , physiology , immunoglobulin g , genetics , biochemistry , physics , optics , electrical engineering , engineering
Mucosae of the female and male genital tracts are the portals of entry for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) of viral, bacterial, and parasitic origin ; worldwide, V120 000 000 cases of STDs are reported annually, but the true incidence is probably much higher. Infection with human immunode¢ciency virus (HIV) is no exception : epidemiologic data indicate that worldwide, 70^ 90% of all HIV infections are acquired by heterosexual transmission [1]. This route has the most rapidly rising incidence of new infections, especially among women, who are infected at higher rates than men. Thus, induction of immune responses at the major portals of entry of STD agents and HIV may be important for protection against these infections. Studies performed in animal models and in humans have convincingly demonstrated that the mucosal and systemic compartments of the immune system display a signi¢cant degree of mutual independence [2]. Immunoglobulins (Ig) present in external secretions or systemic £uids are represented by molecules of diierent physicochemical and biological properties. In external secretions of humans and many mammalian species, the dominant Ig is secretory IgA (S-IgA), consisting of polymeric IgA (pIgA) with J chain, and secretory component (SC) derived from epithelial cells [3]. However, secretions of the female and male genital tracts diier from other external secretions (e.g., saliva or milk) as well as from plasma in the proportion of Ig isotypes and forms.