Probiotic Lactobacillus species modulate immune responses during vaginal epithelial cell colonization.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), mainly caused by Candida albicans, affects approximately 75% of women at least once during their lifetime. VVC is characterized by fungal colonization, which leads to inappropriate local hyperinflammation and symptoms. Although the trigger of C. albicans pathogenicity is often unknown, antibiotic use and vaginal dysbiosis are associated with increased susceptibility to VVC. A healthy vaginal microbiota is normally dominated by Lactobacillus species, which are believed to keep C. albicans infections at bay. Probiotic lactobacilli are, therefore, explored to treat symptomatic VVC episodes. However, the influence of probiotic lactobacilli on immune responses in the context of VVC remains underexplored.