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Shen J, Sun H, Chu J, Gong X, Liu X. Cervicovaginal microbiota: a promising direction for prevention and treatment in cervical cancer. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:13. [PMID: 38641803 PMCID: PMC11027553 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00573-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a common malignancy in women, with high incidence rate and mortality. Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Cervicovaginal microbiota (CVM) plays an essential role in the defense of HPV infections and prevention of subsequent lesions. Dominance of Lactobacillus is the key of CVM homeostasis, which can be regulated by host, exogenous and endogenous factors. Dysbiosis of CVM, including altered microbial, metabolic, and immune signatures, can contribute to persist HPV infection, leading to cervical cancer. However, there is no evidence of the causality between CVM and cervical cancer, and the underlying mechanism remains unexplored. Considering the close correlation between CVM dysbiosis and persistent HPV infection, this review will overview CVM, its role in cervical cancer development and related mechanisms, and the prospects for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Chu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodi Gong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), 200003, Shanghai, China.
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Tsang HF, Cheung YS, Yu CSA, Chan CSS, Wong CBT, Yim KYA, Pei X, Wong SCC. Menstrual Blood as a Diagnostic Specimen for Human Papillomavirus Genotyping and Genital Tract Infection Using Next-Generation Sequencing as a Novel Diagnostic Tool. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:686. [PMID: 38611599 PMCID: PMC11012019 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menstrual blood (MB) is a convenient specimen type that can be self-collected easily and non-invasively by women. This study assessed the potential application of MB as a diagnostic specimen to detect genital tract infections (GTIs) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in women. METHOD Genomic DNA was extracted from MB samples. Pacific Bioscience (Pacbio) 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) high-fidelity (HiFi) long-read sequencing and HPV PCR were performed. RESULTS MB samples were collected from women with a pathological diagnosis of CIN1, CIN2, CIN3 or HPV infection. The sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of high-risk HPV detection using MB were found to be 66.7%. A shift in vaginal flora and a significant depletion in Lactobacillus spp. in the vaginal microbiota communities were observed in the MB samples using 16S rDNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we demonstrated that MB is a proper diagnostic specimen of consideration for non-invasive detection of HPV DNA and genotyping using PCR and the diagnosis of GTIs using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). MB testing is suitable for all women who menstruate and this study has opened up the possibility of the use of MB as a diagnostic specimen to maintain women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hin-Fung Tsang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Pathology, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yui-Shing Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Y.-S.C.); (C.-S.S.C.)
| | - Chi-Shing Allen Yu
- Codex Genetics Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China; (C.-S.A.Y.); (C.-B.T.W.); (K.-Y.A.Y.)
| | - Chung-Sum Sammy Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China; (Y.-S.C.); (C.-S.S.C.)
| | - Chi-Bun Thomas Wong
- Codex Genetics Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China; (C.-S.A.Y.); (C.-B.T.W.); (K.-Y.A.Y.)
| | - Kay-Yuen Aldrin Yim
- Codex Genetics Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China; (C.-S.A.Y.); (C.-B.T.W.); (K.-Y.A.Y.)
| | - Xiaomeng Pei
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Sze-Chuen Cesar Wong
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China;
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Qi J, Dai C, Song L, Zhang J. Association between bacterial vaginosis with human papillomavirus in the United States (NHANES 2003-2004). BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:138. [PMID: 38388384 PMCID: PMC10882805 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02956-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The balance of vaginal microecology is closely related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical lesions. This study aims to investigate the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and HPV infection. METHODS In total, 1,310 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003-2004) were included in this study. Logistic regression and subgroup analyses were used to examine the association between BV and HPV infection. RESULTS A significant positive association was observed between BV and HPV infection in women after adjustment for other confounders (OR = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-1.88). In subgroup analyses, we have found this positive correlation was most prominent among Mexican Americans (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.08-3.08) and non-Hispanic blacks (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.08-3.04). CONCLUSIONS This cross-sectional study demonstrated a positive association between BV and HPV infection in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Qi
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Congwei Dai
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Liyun Song
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Junqin Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
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Onyango S, Mi JD, Koech A, Okiro P, Temmerman M, von Dadelszen P, Tribe RM, Omuse G. Microbiota dynamics, metabolic and immune interactions in the cervicovaginal environment and their role in spontaneous preterm birth. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1306473. [PMID: 38196946 PMCID: PMC10774218 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1306473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Differences in the cervicovaginal microbiota are associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), a significant cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Although establishing a direct causal link between cervicovaginal microbiota and sPTB remains challenging, recent advancements in sequencing technologies have facilitated the identification of microbial markers potentially linked to sPTB. Despite variations in findings, a recurring observation suggests that sPTB is associated with a more diverse and less stable vaginal microbiota across pregnancy trimesters. It is hypothesized that sPTB risk is likely to be modified via an intricate host-microbe interactions rather than due to the presence of a single microbial taxon or broad community state. Nonetheless, lactobacilli dominance is generally associated with term outcomes and contributes to a healthy vaginal environment through the production of lactic acid/maintenance of a low pH that excludes other pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, the innate immunity of the host and metabolic interactions between cervicovaginal microbiota, such as the production of bacteriocins and the use of proteolytic enzymes, exerts a profound influence on microbial populations, activities, and host immune responses. These interplays collectively impact pregnancy outcomes. This review aims to summarize the complexity of cervicovaginal environment and microbiota dynamics, and associations with bacterial vaginosis and sPTB. There is also consideration on how probiotics may mitigate the risk of sPTB and bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Onyango
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jia Dai Mi
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Koech
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patricia Okiro
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel M. Tribe
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Omuse
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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Borase H, Shukla D. The Interplay of Genital Herpes with Cellular Processes: A Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Perspective. Viruses 2023; 15:2195. [PMID: 38005873 PMCID: PMC10675801 DOI: 10.3390/v15112195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Genital herpes, primarily caused by herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), remains a pressing global health concern. Its remarkable ability to intertwine with cellular processes, from harnessing host machinery for replication to subverting antiviral defenses like autophagy and programmed cell death, exemplifies the intricate interplay at the heart of its pathogenesis. While the biomedical community has extensively researched antiviral interventions, the efficiency of these strategies in managing HSV-2 remains suboptimal. Recognizing this, attention has shifted toward leveraging host cellular components to regulate HSV-2 replication and influence the cell cycle. Furthermore, innovative interventional strategies-including drug repurposing, microbivacs, connecting the host microbiome, and exploiting natural secondary metabolites-are emerging as potential game changers. This review summarizes the key steps in HSV-2 pathogenesis and newly discovered cellular interactions, presenting the latest developments in the field, highlighting existing challenges, and offering a fresh perspective on HSV-2's pathogenesis and the potential avenues for its treatment by targeting cellular proteins and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Borase
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Deepak Shukla
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Farr Zuend C, Lamont A, Noel-Romas L, Knodel S, Birse K, Kratzer K, McQueen P, Perner M, Ayele H, Mutch S, Berard AR, Schellenberg JJ, Senturk F, McCorrister S, Westmacott G, Mulhall F, Sandberg B, Yu A, Burnett M, Poliquin V, Burgener AD. Increased genital mucosal cytokines in Canadian women associate with higher antigen-presenting cells, inflammatory metabolites, epithelial barrier disruption, and the depletion of L. crispatus. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:159. [PMID: 37491398 PMCID: PMC10367425 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01594-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervicovaginal inflammation has been linked to negative reproductive health outcomes including the acquisition of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and cervical carcinogenesis. While changes to the vaginal microbiome have been linked to genital inflammation, the molecular relationships between the functional components of the microbiome with cervical immunology in the reproductive tract are understudied, limiting our understanding of mucosal biology that may be important for reproductive health. RESULTS In this study, we used a multi'-omics approach to profile cervicovaginal samples collected from 43 Canadian women to characterize host, immune, functional microbiome, and metabolome features of cervicovaginal inflammation. We demonstrate that inflammation is associated with lower amounts of L. crispatus and higher levels of cervical antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Proteomic analysis showed an upregulation of pathways related to neutrophil degranulation, complement, and leukocyte migration, with lower levels of cornified envelope and cell-cell adherens junctions. Functional microbiome analysis showed reductions in carbohydrate metabolism and lactic acid, with increases in xanthine and other metabolites. Bayesian network analysis linked L. crispatus with glycolytic and nucleotide metabolism, succinate and xanthine, and epithelial proteins SCEL and IVL as major molecular features associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased APCs. CONCLUSIONS This study identified key molecular and immunological relationships with cervicovaginal inflammation, including higher APCs, bacterial metabolism, and proteome alterations that underlie inflammation. As APCs are involved in HIV transmission, parturition, and cervical cancer progression, further studies are needed to explore the interactions between these cells, bacterial metabolism, mucosal immunity, and their relationship to reproductive health. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Farr Zuend
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.
| | - Alana Lamont
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Laura Noel-Romas
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Samantha Knodel
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Kenzie Birse
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Kateryna Kratzer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Peter McQueen
- JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michelle Perner
- JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Hossaena Ayele
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sarah Mutch
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Alicia R Berard
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - John J Schellenberg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Faruk Senturk
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - Stuart McCorrister
- JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Garrett Westmacott
- JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | | | - Adelicia Yu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Margaret Burnett
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Vanessa Poliquin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Adam D Burgener
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Sharifian K, Shoja Z, Jalilvand S. The interplay between human papillomavirus and vaginal microbiota in cervical cancer development. Virol J 2023; 20:73. [PMID: 37076931 PMCID: PMC10114331 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02037-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, we have grown accustomed to the idea that human papillomavirus can cause tumors. The genetic and environmental factors that make the difference between elimination of viral infection and the development of cancer are therefore an area of active investigation at present. Microbiota has emerged as an important factor that may affect this balance by increasing or decreasing the ability of viral infection to promote. The female reproductive system has its specific microbiota that helps to maintain health and prevent infection with pathogens. In contrast to other mucosal sites, the vaginal microbiota typically has low diversity and contains few Lactobacillus spp. which by using high-throughput 16s rRNA gene sequencing, classified into five different community state types. According to emerging information, increased diversity of vaginal microbiota and reduced abundance of Lactobacillus spp. contribute to HPV acquisition, persistence, and development of cervical cancer. In this review, the role of normal female reproductive tract microbiota in health, mechanisms which dysbiosis can cause diseases through interaction with microbes and several therapeutic approaches were addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Sharifian
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14155, Iran
| | | | - Somayeh Jalilvand
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14155, Iran.
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Armstrong E, Kaul R, Cohen CR. Optimizing the vaginal microbiome as a potential strategy to reduce heterosexual HIV transmission. J Intern Med 2023; 293:433-444. [PMID: 36544257 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a proinflammatory genital condition characterized by high vaginal bacterial diversity and a paucity of Lactobacillus species. BV has been linked to an elevated risk of HIV acquisition among HIV-negative women and of forward HIV transmission to male sex partners among women living with HIV (adjusted hazard ratios of 1.69 and 3.17, respectively), potentially by eliciting genital inflammation in women with BV and their male sex partners. BV is also highly prevalent among women in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting that BV treatment may have potential as an HIV prevention strategy. BV is typically treated with antibiotics but recurrence rates are high, possibly because treatment does not directly promote Lactobacillus growth. More recently, BV treatment strategies incorporating live biotherapeutic lactobacilli have led to sustained optimization of the vaginal microbiome and a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers previously associated with HIV susceptibility. Future studies are urgently needed to evaluate BV treatment strategies that can optimize the vaginal microbiome in the long term through colonization with H2 O2 -producing vaginal lactobacilli and to assess whether vaginal microbiota optimization is able to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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Interaction between Microbes and Host in Sow Vaginas in Early Pregnancy. mSystems 2023; 8:e0119222. [PMID: 36749039 PMCID: PMC10134864 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01192-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive research has explored the causes of embryo losses during early pregnancy by analyzing interaction mechanisms in sows' uterus, ignoring the importance of the lower reproductive tract in pregnancy development regulation. Despite recent progress in understanding the diversity of vaginal microbes under different physiological states, the dynamic of sows' vaginal microbiotas during pregnancy and the interaction between vaginal microbes and the host are poorly understood. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of sows' vaginal microbial communities in early pregnancy coupled with overall patterns of vaginal mucosal epithelium gene expression. The vaginal microbiota was analyzed by 16s rRNA or metagenome sequencing, and the vaginal mucosal epithelium transcriptome was analyzed by RNA sequencing, followed by integration of the data layers. We found that the sows' vaginal microbiotas in early pregnancy develop dynamically, and there is a homeostasis balance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Subsequently, we identified two pregnancy-specific communities, which play diverse roles. The microbes in the vagina stimulate the epithelial cells, while vaginal epithelium changes its structure and functions in response to stimulation. These changes produce specific inflammation responses to promote pregnancy development. Our findings demonstrate the interaction between microbes and host in the sow vagina in early pregnancy to promote pregnancy development, meanwhile providing a reference data set for the study of targeted therapies of microbial homeostasis dysregulation in the female reproductive tract. IMPORTANCE This work sheds light on the dynamics of the sow vaginal microbiotas in early pregnancy and its roles in pregnancy development. Furthermore, this study provides insight into the functional mechanisms of reproductive tract microbes by outlining vaginal microbe-host interactions, which might identify new research and intervention targets for improving pregnancy development by modulating lower reproductive tract microbiota.
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Waltmann A, Thomas C, Duncan JA. The role of the genital microbiota in the acquisition and pathogenesis of sexually transmitted infections. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2023; 36:35-48. [PMID: 36729748 PMCID: PMC10500551 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There are an estimated 374 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide every year. Our review article examines the current evidence of how STI acquisition, transmission, and pathogenesis is impacted upon by the genital microbiota, with a focus on epidemiological, biochemical, and immunological features. RECENT FINDINGS At least in women, a genital microbiota dominated by lactobacilli has long been considered optimal for reproductive health, while depletion of lactobacilli may lead to a genital microenvironment dominated by anaerobic pathogens, which can manifest clinically as bacterial vaginosis. Recent research efforts have characterized genital microbiota composition in greater resolution, sometimes at species-level, using proteomics, metabolomics, and deep sequencing. This has enhanced our understanding of how specific microbiota members influence acquisition or clinical manifestation of STI pathogen infection. Other advances include a steady, though still slow, increase in the number of studies that sought to determine the genital (penile or urethral) microbiota of males and how it may impact that of their female partners' genital microbiota and risk of STI acquisition. Altogether, these data enabled us to explore the concept that genital microbiota may be sexually transmitted and influence pathogenesis and clinical presentation of other STI. SUMMARY With STI infection rates increasing worldwide, it is important now more than ever to find novel STI prevention strategies. Understanding if and how the genital microbiota is a modifiable risk factor for STI transmission, acquisition, and clinical manifestation may prove to be an important strategy in our efforts to curb morbidity in at risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Waltmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Cynthia Thomas
- Graduate Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Joseph A Duncan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Armstrong E, Hemmerling A, Joag V, Huibner S, Kulikova M, Crawford E, Castañeda GR, Anzala O, Obila O, Shahabi K, Ravel J, Coburn B, Cohen CR, Kaul R. Treatment Success Following Standard Antibiotic Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis Is Not Associated With Pretreatment Genital Immune or Microbial Parameters. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad007. [PMID: 36726539 PMCID: PMC9887266 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a proinflammatory genital condition associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes, including increased HIV incidence. However, BV recurrence rates are high after standard antibiotic treatment. While the composition of the vaginal microbiota before BV treatment may be linked to BV recurrence, it is unclear whether the preceding genital immune milieu is predictive of treatment success. Methods Here we assessed whether baseline vaginal soluble immune factors or the composition of the vaginal microbiota predicted treatment success 1 month after metronidazole treatment in 2 separate cohorts of women with BV, 1 in the United States and 1 in Kenya; samples within 48 hours of BV treatment were also available for the US cohort. Results Neither soluble immune factors nor the composition of the vaginal microbiota before BV treatment was associated with treatment response in either cohort. In the US cohort, although the absolute abundances of key vaginal bacterial taxa pretreatment were not associated with treatment response, participants with sustained BV clearance had a more pronounced reduction in the absolute abundance of Gardnerella vaginalis immediately after treatment. Conclusions Pretreatment immune and microbial parameters were not predictive of BV treatment success in these clinical cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Armstrong
- Correspondence: Eric Armstrong, BSc, 1 King’s College Circle, Room 6356 Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8 (); or Rupert Kaul, MD, PhD, 1 King’s College Circle, Room 6356, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8 ()
| | - Anke Hemmerling
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Vineet Joag
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sanja Huibner
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Kulikova
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Crawford
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Omu Anzala
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Onyango Obila
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kamnoosh Shahabi
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bryan Coburn
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Correspondence: Eric Armstrong, BSc, 1 King’s College Circle, Room 6356 Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8 (); or Rupert Kaul, MD, PhD, 1 King’s College Circle, Room 6356, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8 ()
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12
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Dong M, Dong Y, Bai J, Li H, Ma X, Li B, Wang C, Li H, Qi W, Wang Y, Fan A, Han C, Xue F. Interactions between microbiota and cervical epithelial, immune, and mucus barrier. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1124591. [PMID: 36909729 PMCID: PMC9998931 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1124591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive tract harbours hundreds of bacterial species and produces numerous metabolites. The uterine cervix is located between the upper and lower parts of the female genital tract. It allows sperm and birth passage and hinders the upward movement of microorganisms into a relatively sterile uterus. It is also the predicted site for sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as Chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The healthy cervicovaginal microbiota maintains cervical epithelial barrier integrity and modulates the mucosal immune system. Perturbations of the microbiota composition accompany changes in microbial metabolites that induce local inflammation, damage the cervical epithelial and immune barrier, and increase susceptibility to STI infection and relative disease progression. This review examined the intimate interactions between the cervicovaginal microbiota, relative metabolites, and the cervical epithelial-, immune-, and mucus barrier, and the potent effect of the host-microbiota interaction on specific STI infection. An improved understanding of cervicovaginal microbiota regulation on cervical microenvironment homeostasis might promote advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for various STI diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yalan Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Junyi Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huanrong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaotong Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bijun Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huiyang Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenhui Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingmei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Aiping Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Cha Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Cha Han, ; Fengxia Xue,
| | - Fengxia Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Cha Han, ; Fengxia Xue,
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Ji L, Peng C, Bao X. Effect of vaginal flora on clinical outcome of frozen embryo transfer. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:987292. [PMID: 36619766 PMCID: PMC9815706 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.987292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Vaginal microbiota imbalance is a high risk factor for premature birth, and is closely related to female pelvic inflammation and sexually transmitted diseases. The effect of vaginal microbiota on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology is still unclear. In this study, the vaginal microbial composition and the pregnancy outcome of frozen embryo transfer (FET) was investigated. Methods From October 2020 to December 2021, 275 FET cycles were selected from the center of reproductive medicine in Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University. Vaginal secretions were collected on the day of endometrium transformation, and smears were Gram stained. According to the Nugent score they were divided into three groups, including normal group, mild dysbiosis group and sever dysbiosis group. The clinical outcomes of each group were compared. Results In 275 FET cycles, the embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate in the normal group (66.9%,84.3% and 83.1%) were significantly higher than those in the mild dysbiosis group (45.5%, 57.3% and 49.3%) and in sever dysbiosis group (29.6%, 34.2% and 27%). The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). When compared the preclinical pregnancy loss rate and the miscarriage rate, the normal group (1.3% and 1.3%) was significantly lower than those in the mild dysbiosis group (20.4% and 14.0%) and the sever dysbiosis group (25.5% and 21.1%). The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference between the mild dysbiosis group and sever dysbiosis group (P>0.05). Conclusion Nugent score is directly related to the clinical outcome of FET. The Lactobacilli-dominant vaginal flora was a favorable factor for the good clinical outcome of FET, while asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis had a negative correlation with the outcome of FET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ji
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China,Department of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Peng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Chen Peng,
| | - Xueyun Bao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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14
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Morales CG, Jimenez NR, Herbst-Kralovetz MM, Lee NR. Novel Vaccine Strategies and Factors to Consider in Addressing Health Disparities of HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer Development among Native American Women. Med Sci (Basel) 2022; 10:52. [PMID: 36135837 PMCID: PMC9503187 DOI: 10.3390/medsci10030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the 4th most common type of cancer in women world-wide. Many factors play a role in cervical cancer development/progression that include genetics, social behaviors, social determinants of health, and even the microbiome. The prevalence of HPV infections and cervical cancer is high and often understudied among Native American communities. While effective HPV vaccines exist, less than 60% of 13- to 17-year-olds in the general population are up to date on their HPV vaccination as of 2020. Vaccination rates are higher among Native American adolescents, approximately 85% for females and 60% for males in the same age group. Unfortunately, the burden of cervical cancer remains high in many Native American populations. In this paper, we will discuss HPV infection, vaccination and the cervicovaginal microbiome with a Native American perspective. We will also provide insight into new strategies for developing novel methods and therapeutics to prevent HPV infections and limit HPV persistence and progression to cervical cancer in all populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal G. Morales
- Department of Biology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Nicole R. Jimenez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Naomi R. Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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15
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Gholiof M, Adamson-De Luca E, Wessels JM. The female reproductive tract microbiotas, inflammation, and gynecological conditions. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:963752. [PMID: 36303679 PMCID: PMC9580710 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.963752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The intricate interactions between the host cells, bacteria, and immune components that reside in the female reproductive tract (FRT) are essential in maintaining reproductive tract homeostasis. Much of our current knowledge surrounding the FRT microbiota relates to the vaginal microbiota, where ‘health’ has long been associated with low bacterial diversity and Lactobacillus dominance. This concept has recently been challenged as women can have a diverse vaginal microbial composition in the absence of symptomatic disease. The structures of the upper FRT (the endocervix, uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries) have distinct, lower biomass microbiotas than the vagina; however, the existence of permanent microbiotas at these sites is disputed. During homeostasis, a balance exists between the FRT bacteria and the immune system that maintains immune quiescence. Alterations in the bacteria, immune system, or local environment may result in perturbances to the FRT microbiota, defined as dysbiosis. The inflammatory signature of a perturbed or “dysbiotic” FRT microbiota is characterized by elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cervical and vaginal fluid. It appears that vaginal homeostasis can be disrupted by two different mechanisms: first, a shift toward increased bacterial diversity can trigger vaginal inflammation, and second, local immunity is altered in some manner, which disrupts the microbiota in response to an environmental change. FRT dysbiosis can have negative effects on reproductive health. This review will examine the increasing evidence for the involvement of the FRT microbiotas and inflammation in gynecologic conditions such as endometriosis, infertility, and endometrial and ovarian cancer; however, the precise mechanisms by which bacteria are involved in these conditions remains speculative at present. While only in their infancy, the use of antibiotics and probiotics to therapeutically alter the FRT microbiota is being studied and is discussed herein. Our current understanding of the intimate relationship between immunity and the FRT microbiota is in its early days, and more research is needed to deepen our mechanistic understanding of this relationship and to assess how our present knowledge can be harnessed to assist in diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Gholiof
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Emma Adamson-De Luca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jocelyn M. Wessels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- AIMA Laboratories Inc., Hamilton, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jocelyn M. Wessels
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16
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George AF, McGregor M, Gingrich D, Neidleman J, Marquez RS, Young KC, Thanigaivelan KL, Greene WC, Tien PC, Deitchman AN, Spitzer TL, Roan NR. Female Genital Fibroblasts Diminish the In Vitro Efficacy of PrEP against HIV. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081723. [PMID: 36016345 PMCID: PMC9413545 DOI: 10.3390/v14081723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is high in men who have sex with men, but much more variable in women, in a manner largely attributed to low adherence. This reduced efficacy, however, could also reflect biological factors. Transmission to women is typically via the female reproductive tract (FRT), and vaginal dysbiosis, genital inflammation, and other factors specific to the FRT mucosa can all increase transmission risk. We have demonstrated that mucosal fibroblasts from the lower and upper FRT can markedly enhance HIV infection of CD4+ T cells. Given the current testing of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, cabotegravir, and dapivirine regimens as candidate PrEP agents for women, we set out to determine using in vitro assays whether endometrial stromal fibroblasts (eSF) isolated from the FRT can affect the anti-HIV activity of these PrEP drugs. We found that PrEP drugs exhibit significantly reduced antiviral efficacy in the presence of eSFs, not because of decreased PrEP drug availability, but rather of eSF-mediated enhancement of HIV infection. These findings suggest that drug combinations that target both the virus and infection-promoting factors in the FRT-such as mucosal fibroblasts-may be more effective than PrEP alone at preventing sexual transmission of HIV to women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley F. George
- Gladstone Institute of Virology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Matthew McGregor
- Gladstone Institute of Virology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - David Gingrich
- Drug Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jason Neidleman
- Gladstone Institute of Virology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | | | - Kyrlia C. Young
- Gladstone Institute of Virology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kaavya L. Thanigaivelan
- Gladstone Institute of Virology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Warner C. Greene
- Gladstone Institute of Virology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Phyllis C. Tien
- Departments of Medicine and Veterans Affairs, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Amelia N. Deitchman
- Drug Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Trimble L. Spitzer
- Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, Medical Center, Women’s Health Clinic, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
| | - Nadia R. Roan
- Gladstone Institute of Virology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Correspondence:
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Mohammadi A, Bagherichimeh S, Choi Y, Fazel A, Tevlin E, Huibner S, Good SV, Tharao W, Kaul R. Immune parameters of HIV susceptibility in the female genital tract before and after penile-vaginal sex. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2022; 2:60. [PMID: 35637661 PMCID: PMC9142516 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-022-00122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In women, most HIV infections are acquired through penile-vaginal sex. Inflammation in the female genital tract (FGT) increases the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, likely through recruitment of HIV target cells and disruption of epithelial barrier integrity. Although sex may have important immune and epithelial effects, the impact of receptive penile-vaginal sex on the immune correlates of HIV susceptibility in the female genital tract is not well described. Methods STI-free heterosexual couples were recruited to the Sex, Couples and Science (SECS) Study, with the serial collection of cervical secretions (CVS), endocervical cytobrushes, blood and semen before and up to 72 h after either condomless (n = 29) or condom-protected (n = 8) penile-vaginal sex. Immune cells were characterized by flow cytometry, and immune factors including cytokines and soluble E-cadherin (sE-cad; a marker of epithelial disruption) were quantified by multiplex immunoassay. Co-primary endpoints were defined as levels of IP-10 and IL-1α, cytokines previously associated with increased HIV susceptibility. Results Here we show that cervicovaginal levels of vaginal IP-10, sE-cad and several other cytokines increase rapidly after sex, regardless of condom use. The proportion of endocervical HIV target cells, including Th17 cells, activated T cells, and activated or mature dendritic cells (DCs) also increase, particularly after condomless sex. Although most of these immune changes resolve within 72 h, increases in activated cervical CD4 + T cells and Tcm persist beyond this time. Conclusions Penile-vaginal sex induces multiple genital immune changes that may enhance HIV susceptibility during the 72 h post-sex window that is critical for virus acquisition. This has important implications for the mucosal immunopathogenesis of HIV transmission. Women who acquire HIV most commonly do so during penile-vaginal sex. Although the risk of HIV acquisition is higher when there is pre-existing inflammation in the female genital tract, the impact of receptive penile-vaginal sex itself on immune markers of HIV susceptibility in the genital tract has not been widely studied. We recruited heterosexual couples, without HIV or sexually-transmitted infections, and studied the impact of a single episode of penile-vaginal sex on immune cells and proteins in the female genital tract. We found that some markers within the cervix and vagina increased immediately after sex, then returned to normal. We noticed differences in these changes depending on whether the sex was condom-protected and whether the male partner was circumcised. Our findings might help us to understand how sex impacts the immune system and how this might contribute to HIV acquisition. Mohammadi et al. evaluate immune markers and cell types associated with HIV susceptibility in the female genital tract before and after penile-vaginal sex. The authors report that these immune parameters increase rapidly and transiently after sex, with condom use affecting some of the changes observed.
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18
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Kaul R, Liu CM, Park DE, Galiwango RM, Tobian AAR, Prodger JL. The Penis, the Vagina and HIV Risk: Key Differences (Aside from the Obvious). Viruses 2022; 14:v14061164. [PMID: 35746636 PMCID: PMC9227947 DOI: 10.3390/v14061164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, most Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV) transmission occurs through vaginal–penile sex (heterosexual transmission). The local immune environment at the site of HIV exposure is an important determinant of whether exposure during sex will lead to productive infection, and the vaginal and penile immune milieus are each critically shaped by the local microbiome. However, there are key differences in the microbial drivers of inflammation and immune quiescence at these tissue sites. In both, a high abundance of anaerobic taxa (e.g., Prevotella) is associated with an increased local density of HIV target cells and an increased risk of acquiring HIV through sex. However, the taxa that have been associated to date with increased risk in the vagina and penis are not identical. Just as importantly, the microbiota associated with comparatively less inflammation and HIV risk—i.e., the optimal microbiota—are very different at the two sites. In the vagina, Lactobacillus spp. are immunoregulatory and may protect against HIV acquisition, whereas on the penis, “skin type” flora such as Corynebacterium are associated with reduced inflammation. Compared to its vaginal counterpart, much less is known about the dynamics of the penile microbiome, the ability of clinical interventions to alter the penile microbiome, or the impact of natural/induced microbiome alterations on penile immunology and HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert Kaul
- Departments of Medicine and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Cindy M. Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (C.M.L.); (D.E.P.)
| | - Daniel E. Park
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; (C.M.L.); (D.E.P.)
| | | | - Aaron A. R. Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Jessica L. Prodger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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19
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Happel AU, Sivro A, Liebenberg L, Passmore JA, Mitchell CM. Considerations for Choosing Soluble Immune Markers to Determine Safety of Novel Vaginal Products. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:899277. [PMID: 36303630 PMCID: PMC9580790 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.899277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Several soluble cytokines have been associated with microbicide-induced cervicovaginal inflammation, non-optimal vaginal microbiota, and risk of HIV acquisition. Many of these biomarkers are used in preclinical assays to estimate the safety of vaginally applied products. However, there are currently no validated biomarkers to evaluate the safety of novel vaginal products in clinical trials. This hinders the rapid and rational selection of novel products being tested in first-in-human trials. We reviewed available literature to assess how best to select and measure soluble immune markers to determine product safety in first in human clinical trials of novel vaginal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Ursula Happel
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aida Sivro
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jo Ann Passmore
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Caroline M. Mitchell
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Caroline M. Mitchell
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20
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Kaelin EA, Skidmore PT, Łaniewski P, Holland LA, Chase DM, Herbst-Kralovetz MM, Lim ES. Cervicovaginal DNA Virome Alterations Are Associated with Genital Inflammation and Microbiota Composition. mSystems 2022; 7:e0006422. [PMID: 35343798 PMCID: PMC9040584 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00064-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While the link between the cervicovaginal bacterial microbiome, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and cervical cancer is recognized (P. Łaniewski, D. Barnes, A. Goulder, H. Cui, et al., Sci. Rep. 8:7593, 2018, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-25879-7; A. Mitra, D. A. MacIntyre, Y. S. Lee, A. Smith, et al., Sci. Rep. 5:16865, 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep16865; A. Mitra, D. A. MacIntyre, J. R. Marchesi, Y. S. Lee, et al., Microbiome 4:58, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40168-016-0203-0; J. Norenhag, J. Du, M. Olovsson, H. Verstraelen, et al., BJOG, 127:171-180, 2020, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.15854; E. O. Dareng, B. Ma, A. O. Famooto, S. N. Adebamowo, et al., Epidemiol. Infect. 144:123-137, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0950268815000965; A. Audirac-Chalifour, K. Torres-Poveda, M. Bahena-Roman, J. Tellez-Sosa et al., PLoS One 11:e0153274, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0153274; M. Di Paola, C. Sani, A. M. Clemente, A. Iossa, et al., Sci. Rep. 7:10200, 2017, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-09842-6), the role of the cervicovaginal virome remains poorly understood. In this pilot study, we conducted metagenomic next-generation sequencing of cervicovaginal lavage specimens to investigate the relationship between the cervicovaginal DNA virome, bacterial microbiome, genital inflammation, and HPV infection. Specific virome alterations were associated with features of the local microenvironment related to HPV persistence and progression to cervical cancer. Cervicovaginal viromes clustered distinctly by genital inflammation state. Genital inflammation was associated with decreased virome richness and alpha diversity and an increased abundance of Anelloviridae species from the genus Alphatorquevirus. Lactobacillus bacteriophages were closely associated with increased Lactobacillus abundance, consistent with phage-host relationships. Interestingly, bacteria-bacteriophage transkingdom interactions were linked to genital inflammation and showed specific interactions with bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria, including Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Sneathia. Taken together, our results reveal prominent virome interactions with features of the cervicovaginal microenvironment that are associated with HPV and cervical cancer. These findings expand our understanding of the cervicovaginal host-microbiome interactions in women's health. IMPORTANCE HPV infection is an established risk factor for cervical cancer. However, more broadly, the role of the cervicovaginal virome in cervical cancer progression is not well understood. Here, we identified cervicovaginal DNA virome alterations associated with local microenvironment factors (vaginal microbiota and genital inflammation) that influence HPV persistence and progression to cervical cancer. These findings indicate that the cervicovaginal virome plays an important role in women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Kaelin
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Peter T. Skidmore
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Paweł Łaniewski
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine—Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - LaRinda A. Holland
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Dana M. Chase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine—Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- UA Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Efrem S. Lim
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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21
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Armstrong E, Hemmerling A, Miller S, Burke KE, Newmann SJ, Morris SR, Reno H, Huibner S, Kulikova M, Nagelkerke N, Coburn B, Cohen CR, Kaul R. Sustained effect of LACTIN-V (Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05) on genital immunology following standard bacterial vaginosis treatment: results from a randomised, placebo-controlled trial. THE LANCET MICROBE 2022; 3:e435-e442. [PMID: 35659905 PMCID: PMC9188188 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(22)00043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial vaginosis might increase HIV risk by eliciting genital inflammation and epithelial barrier disruption, whereas vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus is associated with immune quiescence and HIV protection. We investigated the effect of a live biotherapeutic containing L crispatus CTV-05 (LACTIN-V) on genital immunology and key vaginal bacteria. Methods This substudy included women aged 18–45 years who participated in the randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial of LACTIN-V to reduce bacterial vaginosis recurrence, conducted at four universities and hospitals in the USA. Women with negative results for sexually transmitted infection, pregnancy, and urinary tract infection were provided a 5-day course of vaginal metronidazole 0·75% gel. Those who met at least three of four clinical Amsel criteria for bacterial vaginosis and had a Nugent score of 4–10 from Gram staining were eligible. Participants in the LACTIN-V trial were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive either LACTIN-V or placebo, applied vaginally once per day for 5 days during the first week and then twice per week for 10 more weeks. Follow-up visits occurred 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after enrolment. Soluble immune factors and the absolute abundance of bacterial taxa were assayed by mutliplex ELISA and quantitative PCR. The primary outcomes were vaginal levels of IL-1α and soluble E-cadherin at 24 weeks (ie, 13 weeks after treatment cessation). Findings Between Feb 21, 2020 and March 18, 2021, we characterised genital immune parameters and the vaginal microbiota in a subset of 66 highly adherent participants who were randomly selected, with no exclusion criteria, from those who had attended all study follow-up visits (n=166) in the larger LACTIN-V clinical trial (n=288). 32 (48%) participants received LACTIN-V and 34 (52%) received placebo. LACTIN-V treatment was significantly associated with lower concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1α (β coefficient 0·310, SE 0·149; p=0·042) and soluble E-cadherin (0·429, 0·199; p=0·035), a biomarker of epithelial barrier disruption. Interpretation Vaginal administration of LACTIN-V following standard bacterial vaginosis therapy resulted in a sustained reduction in genital inflammation and a biomarker of epithelial integrity. The potential of LACTIN-V to reduce HIV susceptibility merits further investigation. Funding Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
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22
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Nardos R, Leung ET, Dahl EM, Davin S, Asquith M, Gregory WT, Karstens L. Network-Based Differences in the Vaginal and Bladder Microbial Communities Between Women With and Without Urgency Urinary Incontinence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:759156. [PMID: 35402312 PMCID: PMC8988226 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.759156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the relationship of proximal urogenital microbiomes in the bladder and the vagina and how this contributes to bladder health. In this study, we use a microbial ecology and network framework to understand the dynamics of interactions/co-occurrences of bacteria in the bladder and vagina in women with and without urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). Methods We collected vaginal swabs and catheterized urine specimens from 20 women with UUI (cases) and 30 women without UUI (controls). We sequenced the V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and evaluated using alpha and beta diversity metrics. We used microbial network analysis to detect interactions in the microbiome and the betweenness centrality measure to identify central bacteria in the microbial network. Bacteria exhibiting maximum betweenness centrality are considered central to the microbe-wide networks and likely maintain the overall microbial network structure. Results There were no significant differences in the vaginal or bladder microbiomes between cases and controls using alpha and beta diversity. Silhouette metric analysis identified two distinct microbiome clusters in both the bladder and vagina. One cluster was dominated by Lactobacillus genus while the other was more diverse. Network-based analyses demonstrated that vaginal and bladder microbial networks were different between cases and controls. In the vagina, there were similar numbers of genera and subgroup clusters in each network for cases and controls. However, cases tend to have more unique bacterial co-occurrences. While Bacteroides and Lactobacillus were the central bacteria with the highest betweenness centrality in controls, Aerococcus had the highest centrality in cases and correlated with bacteria commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis. In the bladder, cases have less than half as many network clusters compared to controls. Lactobacillus was the central bacteria in both groups but associated with several known uropathogens in cases. The number of shared bacterial genera between the bladder and the vagina differed between cases and controls, with cases having larger overlap (43%) compared to controls (29%). Conclusion Our study shows overlaps in microbial communities of bladder and vagina, with higher overlap in cases. We also identified differences in the bacteria that are central to the overall community structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Nardos
- Division of Urogynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- *Correspondence: Rahel Nardos,
| | - Eric T. Leung
- Division of Bioinformatics and Computational Biomedicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Erin M. Dahl
- Division of Bioinformatics and Computational Biomedicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Sean Davin
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Mark Asquith
- Division of Arthritis and Rheumatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - W. Thomas Gregory
- Division of Urogynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Lisa Karstens
- Division of Urogynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Bioinformatics and Computational Biomedicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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23
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Madere FS, Monaco CL. The female reproductive tract virome: understanding the dynamic role of viruses in gynecological health and disease. Curr Opin Virol 2022; 52:15-23. [PMID: 34800892 PMCID: PMC8844092 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The human body is inhabited by a large and complex network of commensal and predatory eukaryotic viruses and bacteriophages collectively termed the virome. Despite being the most abundant and genetically diverse biological entities on the planet, the impact of viruses on human health especially within the female reproductive tract (FRT) remains understudied. To better appreciate current knowledge regarding the dynamic role of viruses in FRT health and disease, in this review we highlight the known constituents of the FRT virome, transkingdom interactions within the FRT and their influence on gynecological disease. A better understanding of the FRT virome may pave the way toward improved outcomes in gynecological, reproductive, and neonatal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferralita S. Madere
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Cynthia L. Monaco
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, USA
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24
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Galiwango RM, Park DE, Huibner S, Onos A, Aziz M, Roach K, Anok A, Nnamutete J, Isabirye Y, Wasswa JB, Male D, Kigozi G, Tobian AAR, Prodger JL, Liu CM, Kaul R. Immune milieu and microbiome of the distal urethra in Ugandan men: impact of penile circumcision and implications for HIV susceptibility. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:7. [PMID: 35042542 PMCID: PMC8764836 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronal sulcus (CS) anaerobe abundance and IL-8 levels are linked to HIV acquisition, and are dramatically reduced after penile circumcision (PC). The distal urethra may be the site of some HIV acquisition before PC, and presumably most acquisition post PC. We describe the immune milieu and microbiome of the distal urethra in uncircumcised Ugandan men, and define the impact of PC. Participants consisted of HIV-negative, genital symptom-free adult Ugandan men undergoing PC (n = 51). Urethral and coronal sulcus swabs were collected at baseline and at 6- and 12-months post-PC. Soluble immune factors were quantified by multiplex ELISA, and bacterial abundance assessed by 16S rRNA qPCR and sequencing. RESULTS At baseline, the urethra was enriched compared to the CS for most cytokines (including IL-8 and MIP-1β) and soluble E-cadherin (sE-cadherin, an epithelial disruption marker), although CS levels of IL-1α and IL-1β were higher. Baseline total bacterial abundance was ≥ 20-fold higher in the CS than the urethra (median 27,100 vs. 1200 gene copies/swab, p = 0.001), and anaerobes comprised 58% of CS bacteria vs. 42% of urethral bacteria. PC did not alter urethral IL-8 (median 806 at baseline vs. 1130 pg/ml at 12 months; p = 0.062) and urethral sE-cadherin increased (113,223 vs. 158,385 pg/ml, p = 0.009), despite five- and sevenfold drops in total bacterial and anaerobe abundance after PC, respectively. However, PC dramatically reduced CS levels of sE-cadherin (15,843 vs. 837 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and most cytokines (IL-8; 34 vs. 3 pg/ml, p < 0.001), while reducing total bacterial and anaerobe abundance by 13-fold and 60-fold, respectively (both P ≤ 0.004). CONCLUSIONS The urethra is immunologically rich with characteristics of an HIV-susceptible tissue site. However, PC had no impact on urethral immunology and may have reduced epithelial integrity, despite modest reductions in total bacteria and anaerobes, suggesting that HIV protection from PC is not mediated via immune or microbiome alterations in the urethra. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald M Galiwango
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Room 6356, Toronto, Ontario, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Daniel E Park
- George Washington Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sanja Huibner
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Room 6356, Toronto, Ontario, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Abigail Onos
- George Washington Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Maliha Aziz
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Room 6356, Toronto, Ontario, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Kelsey Roach
- George Washington Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Aggrey Anok
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Deo Male
- Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Cindy M Liu
- George Washington Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Room 6356, Toronto, Ontario, M5S1A8, Canada.
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25
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Uysal IB, Boué V, Murall CL, Graf C, Selinger C, Hirtz C, Bernat C, Ravel J, Reynes J, Bonneau M, Rahmoun M, Segondy M, Boulle N, Grasset S, Groc S, Waterboer T, Tribout V, Bravo IG, Burrel S, Foulongne V, Alizon S, Tessandier N. Concomitant and productive genital infections by HSV-2 and HPV in two young women: A case report. IDCases 2022; 30:e01604. [PMID: 36119756 PMCID: PMC9478384 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), the most oncogenic virus known to humans, are often associated with Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) infections. The involvement of the latter in cervical cancer is controversial but its long-term infections might modulate the mucosal microenvironment in a way that favors carcinogenesis. We know little about coinfections between HSV-2 and HPVs, and studying the immunological and microbiological dynamics in the early stages of these infections may help identify or rule out potential interactions. We report two cases of concomitant productive, although asymptomatic, HSV-2 and HPV infections in young women (aged 20 and 25). The women were followed up for approximately a year, with clinical visits every two months and weekly self-samples. We performed quantitative analyses of their HSV-2 and HPV viral loads, immunological responses (IgG and IgM antibodies and local cytokines expression profiles), vaginal microbiota composition, as well as demographic and behavior data. We detect interactions between virus loads, immune response, and the vaginal microbiota, which improve our understanding of HSV-2 and HPVs’ coinfections and calls for further investigation with larger cohorts.
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26
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Insertive condom-protected and condomless vaginal sex both have a profound impact on the penile immune correlates of HIV susceptibility. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1009948. [PMID: 34982799 PMCID: PMC8769335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The penis is the primary site of HIV acquisition in heterosexual men. Elevated penile inflammatory cytokines increase sexual acquisition risk, and topically applied cytokines enhance foreskin HIV susceptibility in an explant model. However, the impact of penile-vaginal sex on these immune parameters is undefined. Heterosexual couples were recruited to the Sex, Couples and Science (SECS) Study, with the collection of penile swabs, semen, cervico-vaginal secretions, and blood after a period of abstinence, and repeated sampling up to 72 hours after either condomless (n = 30) or condom-protected (n = 8) penile-vaginal sex. Soluble immune parameters were quantified by multiplex immunoassay. Co-primary immune endpoints were penile levels of IL-8 and MIG, cytokines previously linked to penile HIV acquisition. One hour after sex there were dramatic increases in penile IL-8 and MIG levels, regardless of condom use, with a gradual return to baseline by 72 hours; similar patterns were observed for other chemoattractant chemokines. Penile cytokine changes were similar in circumcised and uncircumcised men, and repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA models demonstrated that the degree of change after condomless sex was explained by cytokine levels in their partners’ cervico-vaginal secretions. This may have important implications for the biology of penile HIV acquisition. In heterosexual men, the penis is the primary site of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition. Levels of inflammatory cytokines in the coronal sulcus are associated with an increased HIV risk, and we hypothesized that these may be altered after insertive penile sex. Therefore, we designed the Sex, Couples and Science Study (SECS study) to define the impact of penile-vaginal sex on the penile immune correlates of HIV susceptibility. We found that multiple coronal sulcus cytokines increased dramatically and rapidly after sex, regardless of condom use, with a return to baseline levels by 72 hours. The changes observed after condomless sex were strongly predicted by cytokine concentrations in the vaginal secretions of the female partner, and were similar in circumcised and uncircumcised men. We believe that these findings have important implications for understanding the immunopathogenesis of penile HIV acquisition; in addition, they have important implications for the design of clinical studies of penile HIV acquisition and prevention.
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27
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Łaniewski P, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. Bacterial vaginosis and health-associated bacteria modulate the immunometabolic landscape in 3D model of human cervix. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2021; 7:88. [PMID: 34903740 PMCID: PMC8669023 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-021-00259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an enigmatic polymicrobial condition characterized by a depletion of health-associated Lactobacillus and an overgrowth of anaerobes. Importantly, BV is linked to adverse gynecologic and obstetric outcomes: an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, preterm birth, and cancer. We hypothesized that members of the cervicovaginal microbiota distinctly contribute to immunometabolic changes in the human cervix, leading to these sequelae. Our 3D epithelial cell model that recapitulates the human cervical epithelium was infected with clinical isolates of cervicovaginal bacteria, alone or as a polymicrobial community. We used Lactobacillus crispatus as a representative health-associated commensal and four common BV-associated species: Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella bivia, Atopobium vaginae, and Sneathia amnii. The immunometabolic profiles of these microenvironments were analyzed using multiplex immunoassays and untargeted global metabolomics. A. vaginae and S. amnii exhibited the highest proinflammatory potential through induction of cytokines, iNOS, and oxidative stress-associated compounds. G. vaginalis, P. bivia, and S. amnii distinctly altered physicochemical barrier-related proteins and metabolites (mucins, sialic acid, polyamines), whereas L. crispatus produced an antimicrobial compound, phenyllactic acid. Alterations to the immunometabolic landscape correlate with symptoms and hallmarks of BV and connected BV with adverse women’s health outcomes. Overall, this study demonstrated that 3D cervical epithelial cell colonized with cervicovaginal microbiota faithfully reproduce the immunometabolic microenvironment previously observed in clinical studies and can successfully be used as a robust tool to evaluate host responses to commensal and pathogenic bacteria in the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Łaniewski
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine - Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Melissa M Herbst-Kralovetz
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine - Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine - Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
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28
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Armstrong E, Kaul R. Beyond bacterial vaginosis: vaginal lactobacilli and HIV risk. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:239. [PMID: 34893070 PMCID: PMC8665571 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
HIV incidence continues to be unacceptably high in Eastern and Southern Africa, with women disproportionately affected. An increased per-contact risk of HIV acquisition among African, Caribbean, and other Black (ACB) women has been associated with the higher prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in these communities, wherein the vaginal microbiota is predominated by diverse pro-inflammatory anaerobic bacteria. However, while the vaginal microbiota in BV-free women is typically predominated by one of several different Lactobacillus spp., the degree of HIV protection afforded by a Lactobacillus-predominant vaginal microbiota also varies considerably. Specifically, L. crispatus is associated with an immunoregulatory genital immune environment, exclusion of BV-associated bacteria, and reduced HIV risk. In contrast, less HIV protection or exclusion of BV-associated bacteria and fewer immune benefits have been associated with L. iners-which is unfortunately the most common Lactobacillus species among ACB women. These species-specific clinical differences are underpinned by substantial genomic differences between Lactobacillus species: for instance, the much smaller genome of L. iners lacks the coding sequence for D-lactic acid dehydrogenase and cannot produce the D-lactate isomer that enhances HIV trapping in mucus but encodes for epithelial cell toxins and stress resistance proteins that may enhance bacterial survival in the context of microbiota and environmental fluctuations. While more studies are needed to elucidate whether differences in HIV protection between Lactobacillus species are due to direct genital immune effects or the exclusion of proinflammatory BV-associated bacteria, the current body of work suggests that for BV treatment to succeed as an HIV prevention strategy, it may be necessary to induce a vaginal microbiota that is predominated by specific (non-iners) Lactobacillus species. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Immunodeficiency Clinic, Toronto, Canada
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29
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Mtshali A, San JE, Osman F, Garrett N, Balle C, Giandhari J, Onywera H, Mngomezulu K, Mzobe G, de Oliveira T, Rompalo A, Mindel A, Abdool Karim SS, Ravel J, Passmore JAS, Abdool Karim Q, Jaspan HB, Liebenberg LJP, Ngcapu S. Temporal Changes in Vaginal Microbiota and Genital Tract Cytokines Among South African Women Treated for Bacterial Vaginosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:730986. [PMID: 34594336 PMCID: PMC8477043 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.730986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The standard treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) with oral metronidazole is often ineffective, and recurrence rates are high among African women. BV-associated anaerobes are closely associated with genital inflammation and HIV risk, which underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between vaginal microbiota and genital inflammation in response to treatment. In this cohort study, we therefore investigated the effects of metronidazole treatment on the vaginal microbiota and genital cytokines among symptomatic South African women with BV [defined as Nugent score (NS) ≥4] using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and multiplex bead arrays. Among 56 BV-positive women, we observed short-term BV clearance (NS <4) in a proportion of women six weeks after metronidazole treatment, with more than half of these experiencing recurrence by 12 weeks post-treatment. BV treatment temporarily reduced the relative abundance of BV-associated anaerobes (particularly Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae) and increased lactobacilli species (mainly L. iners), resulting in significantly altered mucosal immune milieu over time. In a linear mixed model, the median concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were significantly reduced in women who cleared BV compared to pre-treatment. BV persistence and recurrence were strongly associated with mucosal cytokine profiles that may increase the risk of HIV acquisition. Concentrations of these cytokines were differentially regulated by changes in the relative abundance of BVAB1 and G. vaginalis. We conclude that metronidazole for the treatment of BV induced short-term shifts in the vaginal microbiota and mucosal cytokines, while treatment failures promoted persistent elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the genital tract. These data suggest the need to improve clinical management of BV to minimize BV related reproductive risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andile Mtshali
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - James Emmanuel San
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Christina Balle
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Giandhari
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Harris Onywera
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khanyisile Mngomezulu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu Mzobe
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anne Rompalo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Medical Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Heather B Jaspan
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington Department of Pediatrics and Global Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lenine J P Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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30
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Rizzo AE, Gordon JC, Berard AR, Burgener AD, Avril S. The Female Reproductive Tract Microbiome-Implications for Gynecologic Cancers and Personalized Medicine. J Pers Med 2021; 11:546. [PMID: 34208337 PMCID: PMC8231212 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbial colonization of the lower female reproductive tract has been extensively studied over the past few decades. In contrast, the upper female reproductive tract including the uterine cavity and peritoneum where the ovaries and fallopian tubes reside were traditionally assumed to be sterile under non-pathologic conditions. However, recent studies applying next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene have provided convincing evidence for the existence of an upper female reproductive tract microbiome. While the vaginal microbiome and its importance for reproductive health outcomes has been extensively studied, the microbiome of the upper female reproductive tract and its relevance for gynecologic cancers has been less studied and will be the focus of this article. This targeted review summarizes the pertinent literature on the female reproductive tract microbiome in gynecologic malignancies and its anticipated role in future research and clinical applications in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony E. Rizzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.E.R.); (J.C.G.)
| | - Jennifer C. Gordon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.E.R.); (J.C.G.)
| | - Alicia R. Berard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada;
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Adam D. Burgener
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada;
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Stefanie Avril
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Prodger JL, Abraham AG, Tobian AA, Park DE, Aziz M, Roach K, Gray RH, Buchanan L, Kigozi G, Galiwango RM, Ssekasanvu J, Nnamutete J, Kagaayi J, Kaul R, Liu CM. Penile bacteria associated with HIV seroconversion, inflammation, and immune cells. JCI Insight 2021; 6:147363. [PMID: 33884964 PMCID: PMC8119186 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.147363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The foreskin is a site of heterosexual acquisition of HIV-1 among uncircumcised men. However, some men remain HIV-negative despite repeated, unprotected vaginal intercourse with HIV-positive partners, while others become infected after few exposures. The foreskin microbiome includes a diverse group of anaerobic bacteria that have been linked to HIV acquisition. However, these anaerobes tend to coassociate, making it difficult to determine which species might increase HIV risk and which may be innocent bystanders. Here, we show that 6 specific anaerobic bacterial species, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Prevotella bivia, Prevotella disiens, Dialister propionicifaciens, Dialister micraerophilus, and a genetic near neighbor of Dialister succinatiphilus, significantly increased cytokine production, recruited HIV-susceptible CD4+ T cells to the inner foreskin, and were associated with HIV acquisition. This strongly suggests that the penile microbiome increases host susceptibility to HIV and that these species are potential targets for microbiome-based prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Prodger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alison G Abraham
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, and.,Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, and
| | - Aaron Ar Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel E Park
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Maliha Aziz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kelsey Roach
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ronald H Gray
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, and
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Medicine and.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cindy M Liu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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32
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Dabee S, Passmore JAS, Heffron R, Jaspan HB. The Complex Link between the Female Genital Microbiota, Genital Infections, and Inflammation. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e00487-20. [PMID: 33558324 PMCID: PMC8091093 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00487-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The female genital tract microbiota is part of a complex ecosystem influenced by several physiological, genetic, and behavioral factors. It is uniquely linked to a woman's mucosal immunity and plays a critical role in the regulation of genital inflammation. A vaginal microbiota characterized by a high abundance of lactobacilli and low overall bacterial diversity is associated with lower inflammation. On the other hand, a more diverse microbiota is linked to high mucosal inflammation levels, a compromised genital epithelial barrier, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and other conditions. Several bacterial taxa such as Gardnerella spp., Prevotella spp., Sneathia spp., and Atopobium spp. are well known to have adverse effects; however, the definitive cause of this microbial dysbiosis is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to discuss the multiple ways in which the microbiota influences the overall genital inflammatory milieu and to explore the causes and consequences of this inflammatory response. While there is abundant evidence linking a diverse genital microbiota to elevated inflammation, understanding the risk factors and mechanisms through which it affects genital health is essential. A robust appreciation of these factors is important for identifying effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smritee Dabee
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jo-Ann S Passmore
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- CAPRISA Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Heather B Jaspan
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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33
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Zhang Z, Li T, Zhang D, Zong X, Bai H, Bi H, Liu Z. Distinction between vaginal and cervical microbiota in high-risk human papilloma virus-infected women in China. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:90. [PMID: 33765914 PMCID: PMC7993496 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02152-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV) is the main causal factor of cervical precancer and cancer when persistent infection is left untreated. Previous studies have confirmed the vaginal microbiota is associated with HPV infection and the development of cervical lesions. The microbiota at different parts of the female genital tract is closely related but different from each other. To analyze the distinction between the vaginal and cervical microbiota of hrHPV(+) women in China, one hundred subjects were recruited, including 10 patients with HPV16/18(+) and cervical carcinoma, 38 patients with HPV16/18(+) but no cervical carcinoma, 32 patients with other hrHPV(+) and 20 healthy controls with HPV(-). Vaginal and cervical microbiota were separately tested through next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting the variable region (V3-V4) of the bacterial ribosome 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS HrHPV(+) subjects had higher percentages of vaginal douching history (P = 0.001), showed more frequent usage of sanitary pads (P = 0.007), had more sex partners (P = 0.047), were more sexually active (P = 0.025) and more diversed in ways of contraception (P = 0.001). The alpha diversity of the cervical microbiota was higher than that of the vagina. The cervical microbiota consisted of a lower percentage of Firmicutes and a higher percentage of Proteobacteria than the vagina at the phylum level. Sphingomonas, belonging to α-Proteobacteria, was almost below the detection limit in the vagina but accounted for five to 10 % of the bacteria in the hrHPV(-) cervix (P<0.001) and was inversely associated with hrHPV infection (P<0.05). Pseudomonas, belonging to γ-Proteobacteria, could hardly be seen in the normal vagina and shared a small percentage in the normal cervix but was significantly higher in the HPV16/18(+) (P<0.001) and cancerous cervix (P<0.05). No significant difference was shown in the percentage of BV associated anaerobes, like Gardnerella, Prevotella, Atopobium and Sneathia, between the cevix and vigina. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of Proteobacteria was significantly higher in the cervical microbiota than that of vagina. The hrHPV infection and cervical cancer was positively associated with Pseudomonas and negatively associated with Sphingomonas. It is of great improtance to deeply explore the cervical microbiota and its function in cervical cacinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Zhang
- The Gynecology Department of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 251 of Yaojiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Li
- The Gynecology Department of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 251 of Yaojiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Dai Zhang
- The Gynecology Department of Peking University First Hospital, No. 1 of Xi'anmen Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaonan Zong
- The Gynecology Department of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 251 of Yaojiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Bai
- The Microecological Laboratory of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 251 of Yaojiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Bi
- The Gynecology Department of Peking University First Hospital, No. 1 of Xi'anmen Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhaohui Liu
- The Gynecology Department of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 251 of Yaojiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The cause of bacterial vaginosis, the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women, remains controversial. We recently published an updated conceptual model on bacterial vaginosis pathogenesis, focusing on the roles of Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia as early colonizers and Atopobium vaginae and other bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria (BVAB) as secondary colonizers in this infection. In this article, we extend the description of our model to include a discussion on the role of host-vaginal microbiota interactions in bacterial vaginosis pathogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS Although G. vaginalis and P. bivia are highly abundant in women with bacterial vaginosis, neither induce a robust inflammatory response from vaginal epithelial cells. These early colonizers may be evading the immune system while establishing the bacterial vaginosis biofilm. Secondary colonizers, including A. vaginae, Sneathia spp., and potentially other BVAB are more potent stimulators of the host-immune response to bacterial vaginosis and likely contribute to its signs and symptoms as well as its adverse outcomes. SUMMARY Elucidating the cause of bacterial vaginosis has important implications for diagnosis and treatment. Our current bacterial vaginosis pathogenesis model provides a framework for key elements that should be considered when designing and testing novel bacterial vaginosis diagnostics and therapeutics.
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35
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HIV susceptibility in women: The roles of genital inflammation, sexually transmitted infections and the genital microbiome. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 145:103291. [PMID: 33647576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Given that heterosexual transmission of HIV across the genital mucosa is the most common route of infection in women, an in-depth understanding of the biological mechanisms associated with HIV risk in the female genital tract (FGT) is essential for effective control of the epidemic. Genital pro-inflammatory cytokines are well-described biological co-factors to HIV risk. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the FGT have been associated with a 3-fold higher-risk of acquiring HIV, presumably through involvement in barrier compromise and the recruitment of highly activated HIV target cells to the site of initial viral infection and replication. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are suggested possible contributors to genital inflammation in the FGT, and this, coupled with the relationship between genital inflammation and HIV risk, underscores the importance of effective treatment of STI and BV in the promotion of women's health. In most low- and middle-income countries, STIs are treated syndromically, a practice providing rapid treatment without identifying the infection source. However, this approach has been associated with over-diagnosis and the overuse of drugs. Further, because many women with STIs are asymptomatic, syndromic management also fails to treat a vast proportion of infected women. Although several studies have explored the role of STIs and the vaginal microbiome on genital inflammation and HIV risk, the impact of STI and BV management on genital inflammation remains poorly understood. This review aimed to collate the evidence on how BV and STI management efforts affect genital inflammation and the genital microbiome in women.
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36
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Noël-Romas L, Perner M, Molatlhegi R, Farr Zuend C, Mabhula A, Hoger S, Lamont A, Birse K, Berard A, McCorrister S, Westmacott G, Leslie A, Poliquin V, Heffron R, McKinnon LR, Burgener AD. Vaginal microbiome-hormonal contraceptive interactions associate with the mucosal proteome and HIV acquisition. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009097. [PMID: 33362285 PMCID: PMC7790405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations to the mucosal environment of the female genital tract, such as genital inflammation, have been associated with increased HIV acquisition in women. As the microbiome and hormonal contraceptives can affect vaginal mucosal immunity, we hypothesized these components may interact in the context of HIV susceptibility. Using previously published microbiome data from 685 women in the CAPRISA-004 trial, we compared relative risk of HIV acquisition in this cohort who were using injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN), and combined oral contraceptives (COC). In women who were Lactobacillus-dominant, HIV acquisition was 3-fold higher in women using DMPA relative to women using NET-EN or COC (OR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.24–11.24, P = 0.0305). This was not observed in non-Lactobacillus-dominant women (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.44–2.15, P = 0.895) (interaction P = 0.0686). Higher serum MPA levels associated with increased molecular pathways of inflammation in the vaginal mucosal fluid of Lactobacillus-dominant women, but no differences were seen in non-Lactobacillus dominant women. This study provides data suggesting an interaction between the microbiome, hormonal contraceptives, and HIV susceptibility. Alterations to the mucosal environment of the female genital tract have been associated with increased HIV acquisition in women. As both the vaginal microbiome and hormonal contraceptives affect mucosal immunity, we investigated their interaction with HIV susceptibility. We characterized the vaginal microbiomes in 685 women from the CAPRISA-004 trial, who utilized three major types of hormonal contraceptives including injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN), and combined oral contraceptives (COC). In the 40% of women with Lactobacillus-depleted microbiomes, HIV acquisition was not different between contraceptive groups. However, in the 60% of women with Lactobacillus as the dominant bacterial taxa, HIV acquisition risk was 3-fold higher (in women using DMPA relative to women using NET-EN and COC). Higher serum medroxyprogesterone acetate levels in Lactobacillus dominant women associated with increased cervicovaginal inflammation pathways in the mucosal proteome, biomarkers of which associated with HIV susceptibility. This study provides data suggesting an interaction between the microbiome, hormonal contraceptives, and HIV susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Noël-Romas
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michelle Perner
- Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Christina Farr Zuend
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
| | | | - Sarah Hoger
- Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Alana Lamont
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Kenzie Birse
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Alicia Berard
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Stuart McCorrister
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, National Microbiology Lab, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Garett Westmacott
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, National Microbiology Lab, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Al Leslie
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Poliquin
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health and Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Adam D. Burgener
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, United States of America
- Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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37
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Pollock J, Kaul R. How integral is the α4β7 integrin to HIV transmission? EBioMedicine 2020; 63:103148. [PMID: 33278799 PMCID: PMC7718447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James Pollock
- Departments of Immunology (JP, RK), University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Departments of Immunology (JP, RK), University of Toronto, Canada; Departments of Medicine (RK), University of Toronto, Canada.
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38
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Chee WJY, Chew SY, Than LTL. Vaginal microbiota and the potential of Lactobacillus derivatives in maintaining vaginal health. Microb Cell Fact 2020; 19:203. [PMID: 33160356 PMCID: PMC7648308 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-020-01464-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human vagina is colonised by a diverse array of microorganisms that make up the normal microbiota and mycobiota. Lactobacillus is the most frequently isolated microorganism from the healthy human vagina, this includes Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus iners, and Lactobacillus jensenii. These vaginal lactobacilli have been touted to prevent invasion of pathogens by keeping their population in check. However, the disruption of vaginal ecosystem contributes to the overgrowth of pathogens which causes complicated vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Predisposing factors such as menses, pregnancy, sexual practice, uncontrolled usage of antibiotics, and vaginal douching can alter the microbial community. Therefore, the composition of vaginal microbiota serves an important role in determining vagina health. Owing to their Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) status, lactobacilli have been widely utilised as one of the alternatives besides conventional antimicrobial treatment against vaginal pathogens for the prevention of chronic vaginitis and the restoration of vaginal ecosystem. In addition, the effectiveness of Lactobacillus as prophylaxis has also been well-founded in long-term administration. This review aimed to highlight the beneficial effects of lactobacilli derivatives (i.e. surface-active molecules) with anti-biofilm, antioxidant, pathogen-inhibition, and immunomodulation activities in developing remedies for vaginal infections. We also discuss the current challenges in the implementation of the use of lactobacilli derivatives in promotion of human health. In the current review, we intend to provide insights for the development of lactobacilli derivatives as a complementary or alternative medicine to conventional probiotic therapy in vaginal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace Jeng Yang Chee
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
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39
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Rosca AS, Castro J, Sousa LGV, Cerca N. Gardnerella and vaginal health: the truth is out there. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:73-105. [PMID: 31697363 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human vagina is a dynamic ecosystem in which homeostasis depends on mutually beneficial interactions between the host and their microorganisms. However, the vaginal ecosystem can be thrown off balance by a wide variety of factors. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age but its etiology is not yet fully understood, with different controversial theories being raised over the years. What is generally accepted is that BV is often characterized by a shift in the composition of the normal vaginal microbiota, from a Lactobacillus species dominated microbiota to a mixture of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. During BV, a polymicrobial biofilm develops in the vaginal microenvironment, being mainly composed of Gardnerella species. The interactions between vaginal microorganisms are thought to play a pivotal role in the shift from health to disease and might also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections acquisition. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the specific interactions that occur in the vaginal niche and discuss mechanisms by which these interactions might be mediated. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of novel strategies to fight chronic vaginal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliona S Rosca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Lúcia G V Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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40
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Tu Y, Zheng G, Ding G, Wu Y, Xi J, Ge Y, Gu H, Wang Y, Sheng J, Liu X, Jin L, Huang H. Comparative Analysis of Lower Genital Tract Microbiome Between PCOS and Healthy Women. Front Physiol 2020; 11:1108. [PMID: 33013474 PMCID: PMC7506141 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.01108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often have a history of infertility and poor pregnancy outcome. The character of the lower genital tract (LGT) microbiome of these patients is still unknown. We collected both vaginal and cervical canal swabs from 47 PCOS patients (diagnosed by the Rotterdam Criteria) and 50 healthy reproductive-aged controls in this study. Variable regions 3–4 (V3–4) were sequenced and analyzed. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) abundance was noted for all samples. Taxa that discriminated between PCOS and healthy women was calculated by linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEFSe). Results from 97 paired vaginal and cervical canal samples collected from 97 women [mean age 30 (±4 years)] were available for analysis. Using the Rotterdam Criteria, 47 women were diagnosed with PCOS (PCOS, n = 47; control, n = 50). There was no significant difference between cervical canal microbiome and vaginal microbiome from the same individual, however, Lactobacillus spp. was less abundant in both vaginal and cervical canal microbiome of PCOS patients. Several non-Lactobacillus taxa including Gardnerella_vaginalis_00703mash, Prevotella_9_other, and Mycoplasma hominis, were more abundant in the LGT microbiota of PCOS patients. There is a difference between the microorganism in the LGT of patients with PCOS and healthy reproductive-aged women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangyong Zheng
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Guolian Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanting Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Xi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingzhou Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hangchao Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianzhong Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinmei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
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41
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Happel AU, Varsani A, Balle C, Passmore JA, Jaspan H. The Vaginal Virome-Balancing Female Genital Tract Bacteriome, Mucosal Immunity, and Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes? Viruses 2020; 12:E832. [PMID: 32751611 PMCID: PMC7472209 DOI: 10.3390/v12080832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides bacteria, fungi, protists and archaea, the vaginal ecosystem also contains a range of prokaryote- and eukaryote-infecting viruses, which are collectively referred to as the "virome". Despite its well-described role in the gut and other environmental niches, the vaginal virome remains understudied. With a focus on sexual and reproductive health, we summarize the currently known components of the vaginal virome, its relationship with other constituents of the vaginal microbiota and its association with adverse health outcomes. While a range of eukaryote-infecting viruses has been described to be present in the female genital tract (FGT), few prokaryote-infecting viruses have been described. Literature suggests that various vaginal viruses interact with vaginal bacterial microbiota and host immunity and that any imbalance thereof may contribute to the risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes, including infertility and adverse birth outcomes. Current limitations of vaginal virome research include experimental and analytical constraints. Considering the vaginal virome may represent the missing link in our understanding of the relationship between FGT bacteria, mucosal immunity, and adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes, future studies evaluating the vaginal microbiome and its population dynamics holistically will be important for understanding the role of the vaginal virome in balancing health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Ursula Happel
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (C.B.); (J.-A.P.); (H.J.)
| | - Arvind Varsani
- The Biodesign Center of Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, School of Life Sciences, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ 85287-5001, USA;
- Structural Biology Research Unit, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Christina Balle
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (C.B.); (J.-A.P.); (H.J.)
| | - Jo-Ann Passmore
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (C.B.); (J.-A.P.); (H.J.)
- NRF-DST CAPRISA Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention, 719 Umbilo Road, Congella, Durban 4013, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Heather Jaspan
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (C.B.); (J.-A.P.); (H.J.)
- Department of Pediatrics and Global Health, University of Washington, 1510 San Juan Road NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, 307 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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42
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Joag V, Obila O, Gajer P, Scott MC, Dizzell S, Humphrys M, Shahabi K, Huibner S, Shannon B, Tharao W, Mureithi M, Oyugi J, Kimani J, Kaushic C, Ravel J, Anzala O, Kaul R. Impact of Standard Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment on the Genital Microbiota, Immune Milieu, and Ex Vivo Human Immunodeficiency Virus Susceptibility. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 68:1675-1683. [PMID: 30407498 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genital immunology is a key determinant of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) susceptibility. Both factors are modulated by bacterial vaginosis (BV) and, to some extent, by Lactobacillus iners, the genital Lactobacillus spp. that predominates in African, Caribbean, and other Black (ACB) women. We conducted a clinical trial to assess the impact of oral metronidazole treatment on the genital immune parameters of HIV acquisition risks in Kenyan women with BV. METHODS The primary endpoint was ex vivo cervical CD4+ T-cell HIV susceptibility after 1 month; secondary endpoints included genital cytokine/chemokine levels, cervical immune cell populations, and the composition of the cervico-vaginal microbiota by 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing. RESULTS BV resolved (Nugent score ≤ 3) at 1 month in 20/45 participants, and cervical CD4+ T-cell HIV entry was moderately reduced in all participants, regardless of treatment outcome. Resolution of BV and reduced abundances of BV-associated gram-negative taxa correlated with reduced genital interleukin (IL)-1α/β. However, BV resolution and the concomitant colonization by Lactobacillus iners substantially increased several genital chemokines associated with HIV acquisition, including interferon-γ inducible protein (IP)-10, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α, and monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG). In an independent cohort of ACB women, most of whom were BV-free, vaginal chemokines were again closely linked with L. iners abundance, though not other Lactobacillus spp. CONCLUSIONS BV treatment reduced genital CD4+ T-cell HIV susceptibility and IL-1 levels, but dramatically increased the genital chemokines that may enhance HIV susceptibility; the latter effect was related to the restoration of an Lactobacillus iners-dominated microbiota. Further studies are needed before treatment of asymptomatic BV can be recommended for HIV prevention in ACB communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Joag
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Onyango Obila
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi.,Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Clinical Research, Nairobi
| | - Pawel Gajer
- Institute for Genome Sciences.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Milcah Carol Scott
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Sara Dizzell
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton
| | - Michael Humphrys
- Institute for Genome Sciences.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | | | | | - Brett Shannon
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wangari Tharao
- Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Marianne Mureithi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi.,Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Clinical Research, Nairobi
| | - Julius Oyugi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Joshua Kimani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Charu Kaushic
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton
| | - Jacques Ravel
- Institute for Genome Sciences.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Omu Anzala
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi.,Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Institute of Clinical Research, Nairobi
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
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43
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Mohammadi A, Bagherichimeh S, Perry MC, Fazel A, Tevlin E, Huibner S, Tharao W, Coburn B, Kaul R. The impact of cervical cytobrush sampling on cervico-vaginal immune parameters and microbiota relevant to HIV susceptibility. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8514. [PMID: 32444843 PMCID: PMC7244754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65544-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunology and microbiota of the female genital tract (FGT) are key determinants of HIV susceptibility. Cervical cytobrush sampling is a relatively non-invasive method permitting the longitudinal assessment of endocervical immune cells, but effects on FGT immunology are unknown. Blood, cervico-vaginal secretions and cervical cytobrushes were collected from sexually transmitted infection (STI)-free women at baseline and after either 6 hours or 48 hours. Endocervical immune cell subsets were assessed by flow cytometry, and pro-inflammatory cytokines by multiplex ELISA. The density of Lactobacillus species and key bacterial vaginosis-associated bacterial taxa were determined by qPCR. Paired changes were assessed before and after cytobrush sampling. After 6 hours there were significant increases in CD4 + T cell, antigen presenting cell (APC) and neutrophil numbers; APC elevations persisted at 48 hours, while neutrophil and CD4 + T cell numbers returned to baseline. In addition, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were increased at 6 hours and returned to baseline by 48 hours. No significant changes were observed in the absolute abundance of Lactobacillus species or BV-associated bacteria at either time point. Overall, cytobrush sampling altered genital immune parameters at 6 hours, but only APC number increases persisted at 48 hours. This should be considered in longitudinal analyses of FGT immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mohammadi
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - S Bagherichimeh
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - M C Perry
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A Fazel
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - E Tevlin
- Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Center, Toronto, Canada
| | - S Huibner
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - W Tharao
- Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Center, Toronto, Canada
| | - B Coburn
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - R Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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44
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Randis TM, Ratner AJ. Gardnerella and Prevotella: Co-conspirators in the Pathogenesis of Bacterial Vaginosis. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:1085-1088. [PMID: 30715397 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tara M Randis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York
| | - Adam J Ratner
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, New York University School of Medicine, New York
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45
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Morrill S, Gilbert NM, Lewis AL. Gardnerella vaginalis as a Cause of Bacterial Vaginosis: Appraisal of the Evidence From in vivo Models. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:168. [PMID: 32391287 PMCID: PMC7193744 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Koch's postulates dictate the use of experimental models to illustrate features of human disease and provide evidence for a singular organism as the cause. The underlying cause(s) of bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been debated in the literature for over half a century. In 1955, it was first reported that a bacterium now known as Gardnerella vaginalis may be the cause of a condition (BV) resulting in higher vaginal pH, thin discharge, a fishy odor, and the presence of epithelial cells covered in bacteria. Here we review contemporary and historical studies on BV with a focus on reports of experimental infections in human or animal models using Gardnerella vaginalis. We evaluate experimental evidence for the hypothesis that G. vaginalis is sufficient to trigger clinical features of BV or relevant health complications associated with the condition. Additionally, we evaluate in vivo models of co-infection employing G. vaginalis together with other bacterial species to investigate evidence for the hypothesis that G. vaginalis may encourage colonization or virulence of other potential pathogens. Together, these studies paint a complex picture in which G. vaginalis has both direct and indirect roles in the features, health complications, and co-infections associated with BV. We briefly review the current taxonomic landscape and genetic diversity pertinent to Gardnerella and note the limitations of sequence-based studies using different marker genes and priming sites. Although much more study is needed to refine our understanding of how BV develops and persists within the human host, applications of the experimental aspects of Koch's postulates have provided an important glimpse into some of the causal relationships that may govern this condition in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Morrill
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Nicole M Gilbert
- Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Amanda L Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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46
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James C, Harfouche M, Welton NJ, Turner KM, Abu-Raddad LJ, Gottlieb SL, Looker KJ. Herpes simplex virus: global infection prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016. Bull World Health Organ 2020; 98:315-329. [PMID: 32514197 PMCID: PMC7265941 DOI: 10.2471/blt.19.237149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To generate global and regional estimates for the prevalence and incidence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 infection for 2016. Methods To obtain data, we undertook a systematic review to identify studies up to August 2018. Adjustments were made to account for HSV test sensitivity and specificity. For each World Health Organization (WHO) region, we applied a constant incidence model to pooled prevalence by age and sex to estimate the prevalence and incidence of HSV types 1 and 2 infections. For HSV type 1, we apportioned infection by anatomical site using pooled estimates of the proportions that were oral and genital. Findings In 2016, an estimated 491.5 million people (95% uncertainty interval, UI: 430.4 million–610.6 million) were living with HSV type 2 infection, equivalent to 13.2% of the world’s population aged 15–49 years. An estimated 3752.0 million people (95% UI: 3555.5 million–3854.6 million) had HSV type 1 infection at any site, equivalent to a global prevalence of 66.6% in 0–49-year-olds. Differing patterns were observed by age, sex and geographical region, with HSV type 2 prevalence being highest among women and in the WHO African Region. Conclusion An estimated half a billion people had genital infection with HSV type 2 or type 1, and several billion had oral HSV type 1 infection. Millions of people may also be at higher risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particularly women in the WHO African Region who have the highest HSV type 2 prevalence and exposure to HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte James
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, England
| | | | - Nicky J Welton
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, England
| | | | | | - Sami L Gottlieb
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Katharine J Looker
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, England
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47
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis differentially alters circulating and mucosal immune cell activation in herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositive women. AIDS 2019; 33:2125-2136. [PMID: 31335802 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral tenofovir-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important tool for prevention of new HIV infections, which also reduces subclinical herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) shedding and symptomatic lesions in HIV-negative, HSV-2-seropositive individuals. However, the impact of PrEP on mucosal immunity has not been examined in detail. DESIGN Here we evaluate paired genital tissue and systemic immune profiles to characterize the immunological effects of PrEP in HIV-negative, HSV-2-seropositive African women sexually exposed to HIV. METHODS We compared local and systemic innate and T-cell characteristics in samples collected during PrEP usage and 2 months after PrEP discontinuation. RESULTS We found that frequencies of cervical CCR5CD4 cells, regulatory T cells, and tissue macrophages were significantly reduced during PrEP use compared with after PrEP discontinuation. In contrast, peripheral blood CD4 and CD8 T cells expressing markers of activation and trafficking were increased during PrEP usage. CONCLUSION Together, our data are consistent with PrEP altering immunity differentially in the female genital tract compared with circulation in HSV-2+ women. Further study including comparison with HSV-2 negative women is needed to define the overall impact and mechanisms underlying these effects. These results point to the critical need to study the human mucosal compartment to characterize immune responses to mucosal infections.
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48
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Pattacini L, Woodward Davis A, Czartoski J, Mair F, Presnell S, Hughes SM, Hyrien O, Lentz GM, Kirby AC, Fialkow MF, Hladik F, Prlic M, Lund JM. A pro-inflammatory CD8+ T-cell subset patrols the cervicovaginal tract. Mucosal Immunol 2019; 12:1118-1129. [PMID: 31312028 PMCID: PMC6717561 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-019-0186-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The immune system of the cervicovaginal tract (CVT) must balance immunosurveillance and active immunity against pathogens with maintenance of tolerance to resident microbiota and to fetal and partner antigens for reproductive purposes. Thus, we predicted that CVT immunity is characterized by distinctive features compared to blood and other tissue compartments. Indeed, we found that CVT CD8+ T-cells had unique transcriptional profiles, particularly in their cytokine signature, compared to that reported for CD8+ T-cells in other tissue sites. Among these CVT CD8+ T-cells, we identified a CD69- CD103- subset that was characterized by reduced migration in response to tissue-exit signals and higher pro-inflammatory potential as compared to their blood counterpart. These inflammatory mucosal CD8+ T-cells (Tim) were increased in frequency in the CVT of individuals with chronic infection, pointing to a potential role in perpetuating inflammation. Our findings highlight the specialized nature of immunity within the CVT and identify Tim cells as potential therapeutic targets to tame tissue inflammation upon chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pattacini
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Amanda Woodward Davis
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Julie Czartoski
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Florian Mair
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Scott Presnell
- System Immunology Division, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Sean M. Hughes
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Ollivier Hyrien
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.,Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Gretchen M. Lentz
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Anna C. Kirby
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Michael F. Fialkow
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Florian Hladik
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Martin Prlic
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | - Jennifer M. Lund
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, U.S.A.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
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49
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Keller MJ, Huber A, Espinoza L, Serrano MG, Parikh HI, Buck GA, Gold JA, Wu Y, Wang T, Herold BC. Impact of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Dual Infection on Female Genital Tract Mucosal Immunity and the Vaginal Microbiome. J Infect Dis 2019; 220:852-861. [PMID: 31111902 PMCID: PMC6667798 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanisms linking herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are not fully defined. We tested the hypothesis that HSV-2 and HIV dual infection is associated with cervicovaginal inflammation and/or vaginal dysbiosis. METHODS Genital tract samples were obtained weekly over a 12-week period from 30 women seropositive (+) for HIV and HSV-2 and 15 women each who were seropositive for one or seronegative (-) for both viruses. Immune mediators, antimicrobial activity, and microbial composition and diversity were compared. RESULTS Significant differences in the concentrations of interferon-γ (P = .002), tumor necrosis factor-α (P = .03), human beta defensin 1 (P = .001), secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (P = .01), and lysozyme (P = .03) were observed across the 4 groups (Kruskal-Wallis). There were also significant differences in vaginal microbial alpha diversity (Simpson index) (P = .0046). Specifically, when comparing HIV-1+/HSV-2+ to HIV-1-/HSV-2- women, a decrease in Lactobacillus crispatus and increase in diverse anaerobes was observed. The number of genital HSV outbreaks was greater in HIV+ versus HIV- women (39 versus 12) (P = .04), but there were no significant differences when comparing outbreak to non-outbreak visits. CONCLUSIONS Increased microbial diversity and cervicovaginal inflammation in HIV and HSV-2 dually infected women may adversely impact genital health and, in the absence of antiretroviral therapy, facilitate HIV shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marla J Keller
- Departments of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Ashley Huber
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Present Affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Lilia Espinoza
- Departments of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Myrna G Serrano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| | - Hardik I Parikh
- School of Medicine Research Computing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Gregory A Buck
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
- Center for Microbiome Engineering and Data Analysis, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
- Computer Science Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| | - Jeremy A Gold
- Departments of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Present Affiliation: Department of Medicine, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Yiqun Wu
- Departments of Epidemiology and Population Health, Bronx, New York
- Present Affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Departments of Epidemiology and Population Health, Bronx, New York
| | - Betsy C Herold
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York
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50
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Domínguez-Díaz C, García-Orozco A, Riera-Leal A, Padilla-Arellano JR, Fafutis-Morris M. Microbiota and Its Role on Viral Evasion: Is It With Us or Against Us? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:256. [PMID: 31380299 PMCID: PMC6657001 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are obligate intracellular pathogens that require the protein synthesis machinery of the host cells to replicate. These microorganisms have evolved mechanisms to avoid detection from the host immune innate and adaptive response, which are known as viral evasion mechanisms. Viruses enter the host through skin and mucosal surfaces that happen to be colonized by communities of thousands of microorganisms collectively known as the commensal microbiota, where bacteria have a role in the modulation of the immune system and maintaining homeostasis. These bacteria are necessary for the development of the immune system and to prevent the adhesion and colonization of bacterial pathogens and parasites. However, the interactions between the commensal microbiota and viruses are not clear. The microbiota could confer protection against viral infection by priming the immune response to avoid infection, with some bacterial species being required to increase the antiviral response. On the other hand, it could also help to promote viral evasion of certain viruses by direct and indirect mechanisms, with the presence of the microbiota increasing infection and viruses using LPS and surface polysaccharides from bacteria to trigger immunosuppressive pathways. In this work, we reviewed the interaction between the microbiota and viruses to prevent their entry into host cells or to help them to evade the host antiviral immunity. This review is focused on the influence of the commensal microbiota in the viruses' success or failure of the host cells infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Domínguez-Díaz
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Con Orientaciones en Inmunología y Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Alejandra García-Orozco
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Con Orientaciones en Inmunología y Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Annie Riera-Leal
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Con Orientaciones en Inmunología y Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Jorge Ricardo Padilla-Arellano
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Con Orientaciones en Inmunología y Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Mary Fafutis-Morris
- Centro de Investgación en Inmunología y Dermatología (CIINDE), Zapopan, Mexico.,Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
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