ABSTRACT
The lower portion of the female genital tract is exposed to numerous microorganisms due to environmental contact, contamination from the rectum and fingers, sexual activity, soiled underclothing, etc. In addition, colonization of the vagina by potentially pathogenic microorganisms is universal. Immune defense mechanisms have evolved to protect women from developing clinical infections as a result of this microbial onslaught. Until recently, studies of female genital tract immunity were limited for the most part to a description of antibody concentrations and isotypes. In the past several years, however, spurred in part by the need to understand factors involved in the heterosexual transmission of the HIV virus, there has been a concerted interest in other female genital tract immune defense mechanisms. The participation of female genital tract epithelial cells in immune defense has also been verified.
