Research from Washington University School of Medicine Reveals New Findings on Gardnerella (Resident microbes shape the vaginal epithelial glycan landscape).

A recent study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine has revealed new findings on Gardnerella, a bacterium associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). The study found that the glycans on the surface of vaginal epithelial cells play a role in protecting against potential pathogens. In BV, the glycocalyx, or glycan coat, was visibly diminished, and the cells were depleted of certain glycans. The researchers also discovered that Gardnerella sialidases, enzymes produced by the bacterium, can induce changes in epithelial gene transcription and promote cell turnover and inflammatory responses. This research provides valuable insights into the impact of resident microbes on the vaginal epithelial glycan landscape. [Extracted from the article]