Crosstalk between the Resident Microbiota and the Immune Cells Regulates Female Genital Tract Health
The female genital tract (FGT) performs several functions related to reproduction, but due to its direct exposure to the external environment, it may suffer microbial infections. Both the upper (uterus and cervix) and lower (vagina) FGT are covered by an epithelium, and contain immune cells (macroph...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2023-07-01
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| Series: | Life |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/7/1531 |
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| author | Luigi Santacroce Raffaele Palmirotta Lucrezia Bottalico Ioannis Alexandros Charitos Marica Colella Skender Topi Emilio Jirillo |
| author_facet | Luigi Santacroce Raffaele Palmirotta Lucrezia Bottalico Ioannis Alexandros Charitos Marica Colella Skender Topi Emilio Jirillo |
| author_sort | Luigi Santacroce |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The female genital tract (FGT) performs several functions related to reproduction, but due to its direct exposure to the external environment, it may suffer microbial infections. Both the upper (uterus and cervix) and lower (vagina) FGT are covered by an epithelium, and contain immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes) that afford a robust protection to the host. Its upper and the lower part differ in terms of <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp., which are dominant in the vagina. An alteration of the physiological equilibrium between the local microbiota and immune cells leads to a condition of dysbiosis which, in turn, may account for the outcome of FGT infection. Aerobic vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> are the most frequent infections, and can lead to severe complications in reproduction and pregnancy. The use of natural products, such as probiotics, polyphenols, and lactoferrin in the course of FGT infections is an issue of current investigation. In spite of positive results, more research is needed to define the most appropriate administration, according to the type of patient. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T00:54:08Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-bb7c266f22074e21a1b228fffed32eef |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-1729 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T00:54:08Z |
| publishDate | 2023-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Life |
| spelling | doaj.art-bb7c266f22074e21a1b228fffed32eef2023-11-18T20:09:48ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292023-07-01137153110.3390/life13071531Crosstalk between the Resident Microbiota and the Immune Cells Regulates Female Genital Tract HealthLuigi Santacroce0Raffaele Palmirotta1Lucrezia Bottalico2Ioannis Alexandros Charitos3Marica Colella4Skender Topi5Emilio Jirillo6Microbiology and Virology Section, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, ItalyMicrobiology and Virology Section, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, “Alexander Xhuvani” University of Elbasan, 3001 Elbasan, AlbaniaRespiratory Rehabilitation Unit, Clinical Scientific Institutes Maugeri (IRCCS), 70124 Bari, ItalyMicrobiology and Virology Section, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, ItalyDepartment of Clinical Disciplines, School of Technical Medical Sciences, “Alexander Xhuvani” University of Elbasan, 3001 Elbasan, AlbaniaMicrobiology and Virology Section, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, ItalyThe female genital tract (FGT) performs several functions related to reproduction, but due to its direct exposure to the external environment, it may suffer microbial infections. Both the upper (uterus and cervix) and lower (vagina) FGT are covered by an epithelium, and contain immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes) that afford a robust protection to the host. Its upper and the lower part differ in terms of <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp., which are dominant in the vagina. An alteration of the physiological equilibrium between the local microbiota and immune cells leads to a condition of dysbiosis which, in turn, may account for the outcome of FGT infection. Aerobic vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> are the most frequent infections, and can lead to severe complications in reproduction and pregnancy. The use of natural products, such as probiotics, polyphenols, and lactoferrin in the course of FGT infections is an issue of current investigation. In spite of positive results, more research is needed to define the most appropriate administration, according to the type of patient.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/7/1531female genital tractmicrobiotaimmunitylactoferrinpolyphenolsprobiotics |
| spellingShingle | Luigi Santacroce Raffaele Palmirotta Lucrezia Bottalico Ioannis Alexandros Charitos Marica Colella Skender Topi Emilio Jirillo Crosstalk between the Resident Microbiota and the Immune Cells Regulates Female Genital Tract Health Life female genital tract microbiota immunity lactoferrin polyphenols probiotics |
| title | Crosstalk between the Resident Microbiota and the Immune Cells Regulates Female Genital Tract Health |
| title_full | Crosstalk between the Resident Microbiota and the Immune Cells Regulates Female Genital Tract Health |
| title_fullStr | Crosstalk between the Resident Microbiota and the Immune Cells Regulates Female Genital Tract Health |
| title_full_unstemmed | Crosstalk between the Resident Microbiota and the Immune Cells Regulates Female Genital Tract Health |
| title_short | Crosstalk between the Resident Microbiota and the Immune Cells Regulates Female Genital Tract Health |
| title_sort | crosstalk between the resident microbiota and the immune cells regulates female genital tract health |
| topic | female genital tract microbiota immunity lactoferrin polyphenols probiotics |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/7/1531 |
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