ABSTRACT
The mucosal immune system in the female reproductive tract (FRT) and at other mucosal surfaces is the first line of defense against pathogenic organisms.1-4 Of all the mucosal surfaces in the body, the FRT has unique requirements for regulation of immune protection since it must deal with sexually transmitted bacterial and viral pathogens, allogeneic spermatozoa, and the immunologically distinct fetus.5-7 To accomplish this, the FRT has evolved immune mechanisms to protect against potential pathogens without compromising fetal survival. Failure of the immune system either to rid the reproductive tract of pathogens or to resist attacking allogeneic sperm and fetus significantly compromises procreation, as well as the health of the mother.
