Cervicovaginal Microbiome: Physiology, Age-Related Changes, and Protective Role Against Human Papillomavirus Infection
Alizhan D. Ukybassova T. Bapayeva G. Aimagambetova G. Kongrtay K. Kamzayeva N. Terzic M.
March 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Journal of Clinical Medicine
2025#14Issue 5
Background/Objectives: Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the leading cause of cervical cancer. Developing evidence suggests that the cervicovaginal microbiome plays a significant role in modulating HPV persistence and progression to cervical neoplasia. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the interplay between the cervicovaginal microbiome and local immunity in HPV infections, emphasizing microbial diversity, immune responses, and potential therapeutic implications. Methods: A thorough review of the literature was performed using Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, encompassing studies published between 2000 and 2024. Studies examining the composition of the microbiome, immune responses, and HPV-related outcomes were evaluated and synthesized into a comprehensive review. Results: A Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome, particularly with L. crispatus, creates a protective environment through lactic acid production, maintenance of low pH, and anti-inflammatory immune modulation, facilitating HPV clearance. Dysbiosis, often characterized by a dominance of L. iners and overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, fosters chronic inflammation, cytokine imbalance, and a microenvironment conducive to HPV persistence and progression. Hormonal changes and menopause exacerbate these microbial shifts, increasing the risk of cervical lesions. Studies suggest that cytokine profiles and antimicrobial peptides significantly influence local immune responses, further modulating infection outcomes. Conclusions: The cervicovaginal microbiome is a critical determinant in HPV infection outcomes, with therapeutic potential for modulating the microbiome to enhance immune responses and prevent cervical cancer. Personalized microbiome-targeted therapies may offer a novel avenue for managing HPV and reducing cervical cancer incidence.
cervical cancer , cervical dysplasia , cervical lesions , cervicovaginal microbiome , dysbiosis , HPV , Lactobacillus , local immunity
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health, CF “University Medical Center”, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
School of Medicine
Clinical Academic Department of Women’s Health
Department of Surgery
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026