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New Approaches to Making the Microenvironment of the Female Reproductive Tract Hostile to HIV
Author(s) -
Fahey John V.,
Bodwell Jack E.,
Hickey Danica K.,
Ghosh Mimi,
Muia Maria N.,
Wira Charles R.
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.1600-0897.2010.00949.x
Subject(s) - immunology , female reproductive tract , biology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , reproductive tract , estrogen , uterus , endocrinology
Citation Fahey JV, Bodwell JE, Hickey DK, Ghosh M, Muia MN, Wira CR. New approaches to making the microenvironment of the female reproductive tract hostile to HIV. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 334–343 Abstract The studies presented in this review explore three distinct areas with potential for inhibiting HIV infection in women. Based on emerging information from the physiology, endocrinology and immunology of the female reproductive tract (FRT), we propose unique ‘works in progress’ for protecting women from HIV. Various aspects of FRT immunity are suppressed by estradiol during the menstrual cycle, making women more susceptible to HIV infection. By engineering commensal Lactobacillus to secrete the anti‐HIV molecule Elafin as estradiol levels increase, women could be protected from HIV infection. Selective estrogen response modifiers enhance barrier integrity and enhance secretion of protective anti‐HIV molecules. Finally, understanding the interactions and regulation of FRT endogenous antimicrobials, proteases, antiproteases, etc., all of which are under hormonal control, will open new avenues to therapeutic manipulation of the FRT mucosal microenvironment. By seeking new alternatives to preventing HIV infection in women, we may finally disrupt the HIV pandemic.