Chapter 2
Innate and Adaptive Immunity in the Human Female Reproductive Tract: Bridging the Menstrual Cycle with Pregnancy
Charles R. Wira, Mickey V. Patel, Mimi Ghosh, Zheng Shen and Marta Rodríguez-García
Abstract
The vaginal innate immune system represents the first line of defense against foreign organisms and pathogenic microbes. Through its major components, a natural balance is maintained and disease is averted. Many recent advances have furthered our knowledge of this intricate equilibrium and the contribution of each element to the final homeostasis. Various adverse obstetric and gynecologic conditions have been traced to abnormalities in the vaginal environment. This review highlights the importance of this subject in future interventions and opens the venue for future research.
Total Pages: 3-58 (56)
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