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Methodological Issues in Sampling the Local Immune System of the Female Genital Tract in the Context of HIV Prevention Trials
Author(s) -
Jespers Vicky,
Francis Suzanna C.,
van de Wijgert Janneke,
Crucitti Tania
Publication year - 2011
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/j.1600-0897.2010.00938.x
Subject(s) - microbicide , context (archaeology) , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , microbicides for sexually transmitted diseases , clinical trial , immunology , immune system , medicine , hiv vaccine , vaginal microbicide , transmission (telecommunications) , intensive care medicine , biology , vaccine trial , environmental health , population , computer science , paleontology , telecommunications , health services
Citation
Jespers V, Francis SC, van de Wijgert J, Crucitti T. Methodological issues in sampling the local immune system of the female genital tract in the context of HIV prevention trials. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 368–376 The spread of HIV continues unabated in the most vulnerable populations of the world. HIV prevention methods, such as a vaginal microbicide, a mucosal vaccine, pre‐exposure prophylaxis or a vaccine, are urgently needed in the fight against new infections. We must make a commitment to supporting innovative research and product design, so that one or more of these products provide a halt to the spread of HIV. Above all, these products should be proven to be safe and not negatively disturb the local immune system in a way that facilitates or enhances heterosexual transmission of HIV. HIV specific and non specific cellular and humoral local vaginal immunity must be assessed in clinical trials when testing prevention products for safety or efficacy. A proven, well‐documented and standardized sampling strategy will provide high quality data to be able to assess both safety and local immune responses. In this paper, we will discuss methods for vaginal immunology sampling in the context of clinical trials.