Premium
Localized cyclical variations in immunoproteins in the female genital tract and the implications on the design and assessment of mucosal infection and therapies
Author(s) -
Makinde Julia,
Jones Clifford,
Bartolf Angela,
Sibeko Sengeziwe,
Baden Susan,
Cosgrove Catherine,
Shattock Robin J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/aji.12801
Subject(s) - menstrual cycle , luteal phase , follicular phase , ovulation , hormone , immunology , physiology , genital tract , compartment (ship) , medicine , disease , biology , oceanography , geology
Problem Fluctuating hormones regulate reproductive processes in the female genital tract. Consequent changes in the local immunological environment are likely to affect cellular interaction with infectious agents and the assessment of therapies that target mucosal infections. Method of study We compared Softcup and Weck‐Cel sampling protocols and assessed the changes in the concentrations of 39 soluble proteins with menstrual cycle progression in the mucosal and peripheral compartments. Results We demonstrate that the mucosal immunological profile is distinct from serum with inflammatory and migratory signatures that are localized throughout the cycle. The analytes highlighted in the mucosal compartment were generally highest at the follicular phase with a tendency to fall as the cycle progressed through ovulation to the luteal phase. Conclusion Our results underscore the need to consider these localized cyclical differences in studies aimed at assessing the outcome of disease and the efficacy of mucosal vaccines and other therapies.