Innate Immunity in the Lower Female Mucosal Tract

The moist, nonkeratinized surfaces of mucosal tissues face a significant challenge with regard to protection of internal tissues from pathogenic invaders, a situation augmented by the fact that these sites are colonized by commensal microorganisms. The mucosa of the human reproductive tract is unique in that it must also balance the need for immunologic vigilance against pathogenic microorganisms and neoplastic cells with its critical role in reproduction, successfully creating an immune environment that tolerates allogeneic spermatozoa as well as the semi-allogeneic developing fetus. This article reviews the components of innate immunity that are functional in the cervicovaginal environment.