Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Unique Skin Immunology of the Lower Female Genital Tract with Age

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Textbook of Aging Skin

  • 253 Accesses

Abstract

Although generally overlooked in clinical medicine, the complex and important immune system of the lower female genital tract plays a significant role in fertility, defense against infection, and the relatively common dermatologic disorders of this area. Unique immune characteristics help to facilitate sperm survival. Infectious genital tract pathogens typically have mechanisms to avoid the natural immune defenses. Vulvovaginal skin disorders reflect aberrant immune responses. An understanding of basic lower genital tract immunology provides a helpful foundation for clinical medical care.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 1,099.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 1,699.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Hjort H. Do antisperm antibodies reduce fecundity? A mini review in historical perspective. Am J Reprod Immunol. 1998;40:215–22.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Kunin CM, Evans C, Bartholomew D, Bates G. The antimicrobial defense mechanism of the female urethra: a reassessment. J Urol. 2002;168:413–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Weissenbacher ER, Wirth M, Mylonas I, Ledger W, Witkin SS. Immunology of the female genital tract. Heidelberg: Springer; 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Brandtzaeg P. Mucosal immunity in the female genital tract. J Reprod Immunol. 1997;36(1):23–50.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Quesnel A, Cu-Uvin S, Murphy D, Ashley RL, Flanigan T, Neutra MR. Comparative analysis of methods for collection and measurement of immunoglobulins in cervical and vaginal secretions of women. J Immunol Methods. 1997;202:153–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Crowley-Nowick PA, Bell MC, Brockwell R, Edwards RP, Chen S, Partridge EE, Mestecky J. Rectal immunization for induction of specific antibody in the genital tract of women. J Clin Immunol. 1997;17:370–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Jalanti R, Isliker H. Immunoglobulin in human cervicovaginal secretions. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol. 1977;53:402–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Nardelli-Haefliger D, Wirthner D, Schiller JT, Lowy DR, Hildesheim A, Ponci F, De Grandi P. Specific antibody levels at the cervix during the menstrual cycle of women vaccinated with human papillomavirus 16 virus-like particles. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2003;95(15):1128–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Nicholson SC, Robindson TN, Sargent IC, Hallan NF. Does large loop excision of the transformation zone of the cervix predispose to the development of antisperm antibodies in women? Fertil Steril. 1996;65(4):871–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Horne AW, Stock SJ, King AE. Innate immunity and disorders of the female reproductive tract. Reproduction. 2008;135:739–49.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Klotman ME, Chang TL. Defensins in innate antiviral immunity. Nat Rev Immunol. 2006;6:447–56.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Meschi J, Crouch EC, Skolnik P, Yahya K, Holmskov U, Leth-Larsen R, Tornoe I, Tecle T, White MR, Hartshorn KL. Surfactant protein D bonds to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope protein GP120 and inhibits HIV replication. J Gen Virol. 2005;86:3097–107.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. John M, Keller MJ, Fam EH, Cheshenko K, Kasowitz A. Cervicovaginal secretions contribute to innate resistance to herpes simplex virus infection. J Infect Dis. 2005;192:1731–40.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Babula O, Lazdane G, Kroica J, Ledger WJ, Witkin SS. Relation between recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, vaginal concentrations of mannose-binding lectin, and a mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphism in Latvian women. Clin Infect Dis. 2003;37:733–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Bjercke S, Scott H, Braathen LR, Thorsby E. HLA-DR-expressing Langerhans-like cells in vaginal and cervical epithelium. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1983;62:585–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Pudney J, Quayle AJ, Anderson DL. Immunological microenvironments in the human vagina and cervix: mediators of cellular immunity are concentrated in the cervical transformation zone. Biol Reprod. 2005;73:1253–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Wira CR, Rossoll RM, Kaushic C. Antigen-presenting cells in the female reproductive tract: influence of estradiol on antigen presentation by vaginal cells. Endocrinology. 2000;141(8):2877–85.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Wira CR, Rossoll RM. Antigen-presenting cells in the human reproductive tract: influence of sex hormones on antigen presentation in the vagina. Immunology. 1995;84:505–8.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Faas M, Bouman A, Moes H, Heineman MJ, Leij L, Schuiling G. The immune response during the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle: a Th2-type response. Fertil Steril. 2000;74:1008–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Thivolet J, Nicolas JF. Skin aging and immune competence. Br J Immunol. 1990;122:77–81.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Chang JH, Ryang YS, Morio T, Lee SK, Chang EJ. Trichomonas vaginalis inhibits proinflammatory cytokine production in macrophages by suppressing NF-kappaB activation. Mol Cells. 2004;18:177–85.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Sakamoto Y, Moran P, Bulmor JN, Searle RF, Robson SC. Macrophages and not granulocytes are involved in cervical ripening. J Reprod Immunol. 2005;66:161–73.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Pioli PA, Amiel E, Schaefer TM, Connolly JE, Wira CR, Guyre PM. Differential expression of toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in tissues of the human female reproductive tract. Infect Immun. 2004;72:5799–806.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Sonnex C. Influence of ovarian hormones on urogenital infection. Sex Transm Infect. 1998;74:11–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Harper WF, McNicol EM. A histological study of normal vulval skin from infancy to old age. Br J Dermatol. 1977;96:249–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Paharkova-Vatchkova V, Maldonado R, Kovats S. Estrogen preferentially promotes the differentiation of CD11c+ CD11bintermediate dendritic cells from bone marrow precursors. J Immunol. 2004;172:1426–36.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Nomura I, Goleva E, Howell MD, et al. Cytokine milieu of atopic dermatitis, as compared to psoriasis, skin prevents induction of innate immune response genes. J Immunol. 2003;171:3262–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Gilchrest B, Murphy G, Soter N. Effect of chronological aging and ultraviolet irradiation on Langerhans cells in human epidermis. J Invest Dermatol. 1982;79:85–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Fahey JV, Prabhala RH, Guyre PM, Wira CR. Antigen-presenting cells in the human female reproductive tract: analysis of antigen presentation in pre- and postmenopausal women. Am J Reprod Immunol. 1999;42:49–57.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Yawn BP, Wollan P, Kurland MJ, Scanlon P. A longitudinal study of asthma prevalence in a community population of school age children. J Pediatr. 2002;140(5):576–81.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Balzano G, Fuschillo S, Melillo G, Bonini S. Asthma and sex hormones. Allergy. 2001;56(1):13–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Kos-Kudla B, Ostrowska Z, Marek B, et al. Effects of hormone replacement therapy on endocrine and spirometric parameters in asthmatic postmenopausal women. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2001;15(4):304–11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Olsen NJ, Kovacs WJ. Gonadal steroids and immunity. Endocr Rev. 1996;17:369–84.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Cutolo M, Capellino S, Sulli A, Serioli B, Secchi ME, Villagio B, Straub RH. Estrogens and autoimmune diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2006;1089:538–47.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Gameiro CM, Romao F, Castelo-Branco C. Menopause and aging: changes in the immune system – a review. Maturitas. 2010;67:316–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Kamada M, Irahar M, Maegawa M, Ohmoto Y, Takeji T, Yasui T, Toshihiro A. Postmenopausal changes in serum cytokine levels and hormone replacement therapy. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2001;184:309–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA

    Paul R. Summers

Authors
  1. Paul R. Summers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Paul R. Summers .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Winton Hill Business Center, The Procter & Gamble Company , Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    Miranda A. Farage

  2. Margoshes-Miller Consulting, LLC, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    Kenneth W. Miller

  3. Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA

    Howard I. Maibach

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this entry

Cite this entry

Summers, P.R. (2017). Unique Skin Immunology of the Lower Female Genital Tract with Age. In: Farage, M., Miller, K., Maibach, H. (eds) Textbook of Aging Skin. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-47398-6_25

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-47398-6_25

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-47397-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-47398-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation