Journal
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
Volume 11, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.676114
Keywords
cervicovaginal mucus; mucins; microbiome; female genital tract; reproductive health
Categories
Funding
- Harvard Catalyst Microbiome Pilot award
- Vincent Memorial Research Funds
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Research has shown complex interactions between cervicovaginal mucus and the female genital tract microbiome, which could impact the dominance of specific bacterial species and subsequently affect reproductive health.
At mucosal surfaces throughout the body mucus and mucins regulate interactions between epithelia and both commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Although the microbes in the female genital tract have been linked to multiple reproductive health outcomes, the role of cervicovaginal mucus in regulating genital tract microbes is largely unexplored. Mucus-microbe interactions could support the predominance of specific bacterial species and, conversely, commensal bacteria can influence mucus properties and its influence on reproductive health. Herein, we discuss the current evidence for both synergistic and antagonistic interactions between cervicovaginal mucus and the female genital tract microbiome, and how an improved understanding of these relationships could significantly improve women's health.
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