The Structure of the Human Vaginal Stratum Corneum and its Role in Immune Defense

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Abstract

The superficial layers of the human vaginal epithelium, which form an interface between host and environment, are comprised of dead flattened cells that have undergone a terminal cell differentiation program called cornification. This entails extrusion of nuclei and intercellular organelles, and the depletion of functional DNA and RNA precluding the synthesis of new proteins. As a consequence, the terminally differentiated cells do not maintain robust intercellular junctions and have a diminished capacity to actively respond to microbial exposure, yet the vaginal stratum corneum (SC) mounts an effective defense against invasive microbial infections. The vaginal SC in reproductive-aged women is comprised of loosely connected glycogen-filled cells, which are permeable to bacterial and viral microbes as well as molecular and cellular mediators of immune defense. We propose here that the vaginal SC provides a unique microenvironment that maintains vaginal health by fostering endogenous lactobacilli and retaining critical mediators of acquired and innate immunity. A better understanding of the molecular and physicochemical properties of the vaginal SC could promote the design of more effective topical drugs and microbicides. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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Anderson, D. J., Marathe, J., & Pudney, J. (2014). The Structure of the Human Vaginal Stratum Corneum and its Role in Immune Defense. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 71(6), 618–623. https://doi.org/10.1111/aji.12230

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