Innate Immune Protection Against HIV in the Female Genital Tract

PROBLEM: Immune responses in the female genital mucosa are regulated to coordinate reproductive function and protection against infections. The female genital tract serves as one of the main portals of entry for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Under physiological conditions the rates of HIV transmission per sexual act are relatively low, but susceptibility to infection increases significantly with genital inflammation. Understanding innate immune protection, the mechanisms that trigger genital inflammation, and how innate immunity is altered under inflammatory conditions is needed to develop preventative strategies. METHOD OF STUDY: Based on a literature review of PubMed, this review is focused on recent advances in our understanding of innate immune protection in the human female genital tract with an emphasis on mechanisms involved in antiviral protection and HIV acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the roles of epithelial barriers, mucus, innate receptors, and innate immune cell populations in the human female genital mucosa under steady-state conditions and the initial responses upon encountering HIV.