Prolonged Exposure to Progesterone Prevents Induction of Protective Mucosal Responses following Intravaginal Immunization with Attenuated Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

Abstract

Depo-Provera (Depo) is a long-acting progestational formulation that is a popular form of contraception for women. In animal models of sexually transmitted diseases, it is used to facilitate infection. Here we report that treatment with Depo, in a mouse model of genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), altered immune responses depending on the length of time that animals were exposed to Depo prior to immunization.

Induction of Innate Immunity against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection via Local Delivery of Toll-Like Receptor Ligands Correlates with Beta Interferon Production

“…However, in these previous studies, anti-Gr1 antibody, which also depletes an important subset of IFN-producing dendritic cells, was used for neutrophil depletion. Moreover, it has been reported that susceptibility to genital HSV-2 infection is increased due to progesterone treatments or oophorectomy, which are also associated with higher numbers of neutrophils in the genital tract (11,12,19). Although we have seen no correlation between thickening of the vaginal epithe- lium and TLR ligand-induced innate protection against IVAG HSV-2 challenge, the mechanism(s) behind this process is yet to be investigated.…”

Accelerated immune senescence and reduced response to vaccination in ovariectomized female rhesus macaques

“…Despite intense research, we do not yet fully understand the contribution of other age-related physiological changes to immune senescence. Several studies have shown that female sex hormones modulate immune response during infection and autoimmune diseases (Ansar Ahmed and Talal 1989;Gillgrass et al 2003;Gillgrass et al 2005;Kaushic et al 1998;Marx et al 1996;Smith et al 2000;Trunova et al 2006). However, the impact of ovarian steroids loss associated with menopause on immune senescence and the immune response to infection or vaccination remains unknown.…”

Characterization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Gag-Specific Gamma Interferon-Expressing Cells following Protective Mucosal Immunization with Alphavirus Replicon Particles

“…The overall PFU titers were lower than what is expected following an intraperitoneal challenge with vaccinia virus. It is important that because we were interested in characterizing the antigen-specific T cells, we did not subject the mice to hormonal (progesterone) treatment to regulate their estrous cycle, because such treatments alter the cellular composition of various organs and also interfere with the induction of protective mucosal responses (11)(12)(13)60). Previously, we reported that SIN replicon particles encoding HIV Gag given intrarectally or IVAG, but not i.n.…”