Toll-like receptors
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyHost Genetic Factors Associated with Vaginal Microbiome Composition in Kenyan WomenGlobally, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition in women. BV is associated with poorer reproductive health outcomes and HIV risk. Typically, BV represents a shift in the vaginal microbiome from one that is dominated by Lactobacillus to one that is diverse. Despite many women having similar exposures, the prevalence of BV and nonoptimal vaginal microbiome is increased for women of African descent, suggesting a possible...
Research Article | Host-Microbe BiologyTotal Lipopolysaccharide from the Human Gut Microbiome Silences Toll-Like Receptor SignalingWhile the ability for humans to host a complex microbial ecosystem is an essential property of life, the mechanisms allowing for immune tolerance of such a large microbial load are not completely understood and are currently the focus of intense research. This study shows that an important proinflammatory pathway that is commonly triggered by pathogenic bacteria upon interaction with the host is, in fact, actively repressed by the...