Immune Regulation and Its Role in the Pathogenesis of Candida Vaginitis.
The pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis, which is caused by Candida albicans, is poorly understood. Despite a strong protective role for cell-mediated immunity (CMI) against other mucosal candidal infections, numerous studies in humans and most animal models have revealed little to no role for CMI or other forms of acquired immunity against vaginal candidal infections. Studies suggest that this may be because of immunoregulatory mechanisms that inhibit more profound adaptive immune responses rather than the simple lack of responsiveness. Such regulatory mechanisms significantly influence the pathogenesis of Candida vaginitis.