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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
immunology and microbiology
The genital tract immune milieu: an important determinant of HIV susceptibility and secondary transmission
Journal of Reproductive Immunology, Volume 77, No. 1, Year 2008
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Description
HIV is generally sexually acquired across the genital or rectal mucosa after exposure to the genital secretions of an HIV-infected partner. Most exposures to HIV do not result in infection, likely due to protection afforded by an intact mucosal epithelium, as well as by innate and adaptive mucosal immune factors present in the genital tract. Another important mucosal determinant of transmission may be the number and activation status of potential HIV target cells, including CCR5/CD4+ T cells and DC-SIGN+ dendritic cells. The simultaneous presence of other genital infections, including classical sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can enhance HIV susceptibility either by breaching the epithelial barrier, recruiting HIV target cells to the genital tract, or by generating a pro-inflammatory local immune milieu. In HIV-infected individuals, genital co-infections increase HIV levels in the genital secretions, thereby increasing secondary sexual transmission. Co-infections that act as important HIV cofactors include human cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), Neisseria gonorrhoeae and many others. Strategies focused on genital co-infections, such as vaccines, microbicides and suppressive therapy, are feasible in the short term and have the potential to curb the pandemic. © 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors & Co-Authors
Kaul, Rupert
Canada, Toronto
University of Toronto
Canada, Toronto
University Health Network University of Toronto
Kenya, Nairobi
University of Nairobi
Pettengell, Christopher
Canada, Toronto
University of Toronto
Sheth, Prameet M.
Canada, Toronto
University of Toronto
Sunderji, Sherzana
Canada, Toronto
University of Toronto
Biringer, Anne B.
Canada, Toronto
Mount Sinai Hospital of University of Toronto
MacDonald, Kelly S.
Canada, Toronto
University of Toronto
Canada, Toronto
Mount Sinai Hospital of University of Toronto
Walmsley, Sharon Lynn
Canada, Toronto
University Health Network University of Toronto
Rebbapragada, Anuradha
Canada, Toronto
University of Toronto
Statistics
Citations: 165
Authors: 8
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.jri.2007.02.002
ISSN:
01650378
Research Areas
Infectious Diseases
Sexual And Reproductive Health