Expression of Toll-like receptors in murine vaginal epithelium is affected by the estrous cycle and stromal cells

Vaginal epithelium is regulated by female sex hormones and serves as the first line of innate immune defense against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This occurs in part through recognition of pathogens via Toll-like receptors (TLRs); however, the expression and role of TLRs in reproductive tract immunity are poorly understood. Here, we have compared the effect of the estrous cycle and treatment with DepoProvera (Depo) on TLR mRNA …