The vaginal microbiome amplifies sex hormone‐associated cyclic changes in cervicovaginal inflammation and epithelial barrier disruption

Abstract

This small study demonstrates that sex hormones modulate neutrophil/leukocyte inflammation, barrier function, and antimicrobial pathways in the female genital tract with the strongest changes occurring during ovulation. The data further suggest a microbiome context for hormone-driven changes in vaginal immunity which may have implications for HIV susceptibility.