Female genital tract secretions inhibit herpes simplex virus infection: correlation with soluble mucosal immune mediators and impact of hormonal contraception.
OBJECTIVE
Female genital tract secretions inhibit herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, however, the intra- and inter-subject variability, contribution of specific mediators, and impact of reproductive hormones have not been defined.


METHODS
of study Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) (n = 89) obtained from nine cyclers and seven women on hormonal contraception (HC), who completed between three and eight weekly visits, were examined for anti-herpes simplex virus activity and concentrations of mediators.


RESULTS
The CVL inhibited HSV infection by a mean value of approximately 57% during the follicular or luteal phase, but only by 36% in hormonal contraceptive users. Human neutrophil peptides 1-3 (HNP1-3) (P = 0.03), IL-8 (P = 0.003), lactoferrin (P = 0.005), lysozyme (P = 0.003), IgA (P = 0.002), and IgG (P = 0.02) correlated with antiviral activity. Intra-subject and inter-subject variability was observed, suggesting that factors other than hormones contribute to innate defense.


CONCLUSIONS
Endogenous antimicrobial activity may provide a biomarker of healthy mucosal immunity and may be reduced in the setting of HC. However, larger prospective studies are needed.
Shust
Gail F
GF
Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USA.
Cho
Sylvia
S
Kim
Mimi
M
Madan
Rebecca P
RP
Guzman
Esmeralda M
EM
Pollack
Margaret
M
Epstein
Julia
J
Cohen
Hillel W
HW
Keller
Marla J
MJ
Herold
Betsy C
BC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000276:immunology; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal / Q000187:drug effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012995:Solubility; D014621:Vagina / Q000276:immunology; D055815:Young Adult
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal