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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Isolation of Lymphocytes from Mouse Genital Tract Mucosa
Published on: September 3, 2012
Tolerance and protection against infection in the genital tract
Michael W Russell1, Jiri Mestecky
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Witebsky Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214, USA. russellm@buffalo.edu
Abstract:
The genital tract is a unique immunological environment that must support the reproductive function and resist infection. Particularly in the female tract, immunoregulatory and immunosuppressive activities that permit the growth of the fetus create an environment that can readily be exploited by microbes that have become well-adapted to this location. Cellular and molecular mediators of immune responses differ from those found at other mucosal surfaces. Mechanisms of immune response induction and delivery, as well as immune effector functions at the genital mucosae need to be considered in the development of vaccines against infections of the genital tract.
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