Three-dimensional models of the cervicovaginal epithelia to study host–microbiome interactions and sexually transmitted infections
Loading...
Authors
Edwards, Vonetta L
McComb, Elias
Gleghorn, Jason P
Forney, Larry
Bavoil, Patrik M
Ravel, Jacques
Issue Date
2022-08-04
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
3D Model , Cervicovaginal Epithelium , Sexually Transmitted Infections , Microbiome
Alternative Title
Abstract
2D cell culture systems have historically provided controlled, reproducible means to analyze host–pathogen interactions observed in the human reproductive tract. Although inexpensive, straightforward, and requiring a very short time commitment, these models recapitulate neither the functionality of multilayered cell types nor the associated microbiome that occurs in a human. Animal models have commonly been used to recreate the complexity of human infections. However, extensive modifications of animal models are required to recreate interactions that resemble those in the human reproductive tract. 3D cell culture models have emerged as alternative means of reproducing vital elements of human infections at a fraction of the cost of animal models and on a scale that allows for replicative experiments. Here, we describe a new 3D model that utilizes transwells with epithelial cells seeded apically and a basolateral extracellular matrix (ECM)-like layer. The model produced tissues with morphologic and physiological resemblance to human cervical and vaginal epithelia, including mucus levels produced by cervical cells. Infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was demonstrated, as well as the growth of bacterial species observed in the human vaginal microbiota. This enabled controlled mechanistic analyses of the interactions between host cells, the vaginal microbiota, and STI pathogens. Affordable and semi high-throughput 3D models of the cervicovaginal epithelia that are physiologically relevant by sustaining vaginal bacterial colonization, and facilitate studies of chlamydial and gonococcal infections.
Description
Citation
Edwards, V. L., McComb, E., Gleghorn, J. P., Forney, L., Bavoil, P. M., & Ravel, J. (2022). Three-dimensional models of the cervicovaginal epithelia to study host-microbiome interactions and sexually transmitted infections. Pathogens and disease, 80(1), ftac026. https://doi.org/10.1093/femspd/ftac026
Publisher
Pathogens and Disease