Advanced Biomedical Research

Role of the innate immunity in female reproductive tract

Authors

1 Applied Physiology Research Center and Department of Physiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan; Department of Anatomy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Anatomy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Iran

4 Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The mucosal immune system in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is well equipped to meet the sexually transmitted pathogens, allogeneic sperm, and the immunologically distinct fetus. Analysis of the FRT indicates that epithelial cells provide a physical barrier against pathogens and microbial infections as well as secretions containing anti-microbial peptides, cytokines, and chemokines which recruit and activate immune cells. Epithelial and immune cells confer protection in part through Toll-like receptors. The aim of this literature is to review the diverse components of the innate immune system, contributing to an exclusive protection system throughout the FRT.

Keywords

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Advanced Biomedical Research
Volume 2014, January
January 2014
Pages 1-12