title: Secreted mucosal antimicrobials in the female reproductive tract that are important to consider for HIV prevention.
abstract: The mucosal microenvironment of the female reproductive tract (FRT) is rich in secreted endogenous antimicrobials that provide the first line of defense against pathogens. This review focuses on the spectrum of secreted antimicrobials found in the FRT that have anti-HIV functions and are regulated by the natural hormonal changes in women's life cycle. Understanding the complex nature of FRT, mucosal microenvironment will enable us to better design therapeutic interventions for women against sexually transmitted pathogens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Mimi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ghosh
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000276:immunology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000276:immunology*; D012661:Semen / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D044364:Vaginal Douching
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D023181:Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
keywords: Antimicrobials; HIV; cervical-vaginal lavage; female reproductive tract; hormones; sexually transmitted infections