Impact of HIV infection on the frequency and phenotype of Th17 cells in the female genital tract

T helper (Th) 17 cells have recently been implicated in regulating gut mucosal immunity during HIV infection by sustaining gut mucosal barrier integrity, although they do not respond to HIV directly. Depletion of Th17 cells from the gut mucosa during HIV infection has been suggested to contribute to elevated microbial translocation and immune activation. The role of Th17 cells in regulating genital mucosal immunity during HIV infection is less well described. The aims of this study were (1) to compare the frequency and phenotype of Th17 cells in the female genital tract and blood in uninfected compared to HIV-infected women; and (2) to investigate the role of inflammatory/regulatory cytokines and bacterial burden in modulating Th17 cell frequencies in genital secretions and plasma.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Division of Medical Microbiology

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Salkinder, Amy Leia

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Passmore, Jo-Ann

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11067

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/11067