Enhanced IgA coating of bacteria in women with Lactobacillus crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiota

A.C. Breedveld, H.J. Schuster*, R. van Houdt, R.C. Painter, R.E. Mebius, C. van der Veer, S.M. Bruisten, P.H.M. Savelkoul, M. van Egmond

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) plays an important role in maintaining a healthy intestinal microbiome, but little is known about the interaction between local immunoglobulins and the vaginal microbiome. We assessed immunoglobulins (unbound and bound to bacteria), their association with vaginal microbiota composition and the changes over time in 25 healthy women of reproductive age.Results: In both Lactobacillus crispatus-dominated and non-L. crispatus-dominated microbiota, IgA and IgG (unbound and bound to bacteria) were higher during menses (T= 1) compared to day 7-11 (T= 2) and day 17-25 (T= 3) after menses onset. The majority of vaginal bacteria are coated with IgA and/or IgG. Women with L. crispatus-dominated microbiota have increased IgA coating of vaginal bacteria compared to women with other microbiota compositions, but contained less IgA per bacterium. Presence of a dominantly IgA-coated population at T= 2 and/or T= 3 was also strongly associated with L. crispatus-dominated microbiota. In women with non-L. crispatus-dominated microbiota, more bacteria were uncoated. Unbound IgA, unbound IgG, and bound IgG levels were not associated with microbiota composition.Conclusions: In conclusion, L. crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiota have higher levels of bacterial IgA coating compared to non-L. crispatus-dominated vaginal microbiota. Similar to its regulating function in the intestinal tract, we hypothesize that IgA is involved in maintaining L. crispatus-dominated microbiota in the female genital tract. This may play a role in L. crispatus-associated health benefits.
Original languageEnglish
Article number15
Number of pages11
JournalMicrobiome
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Jan 2022

Keywords

  • CHLAMYDIA-TRACHOMATIS INFECTION
  • INNATE IMMUNE-RESPONSE
  • IMMUNOGLOBULIN-A
  • GUT MICROBIOTA
  • HEMOLYSIN
  • SIALIDASE
  • PROLIDASE
  • FLUID

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