To investigate the role of Atopobiaceae in the cervicovaginal microenvironment and its impact on HPV persistence and cervical cancer progression, focusing on specific immunometabolic factors.
Key Findings:
Higher prevalence of Atopobiaceae in Hispanic women with increased gravidity and parity, indicating a potential demographic risk factor.
F. vaginae and F. species type 2 associated with high-risk HPV genotypes 31 and 52, suggesting a direct link to HPV persistence.
Atopobiaceae negatively correlated with Lactobacillus and positively correlated with Sneathia, Dialister, Anaerococcus, Prevotella, and Bifidobacterium/Gardnerella, highlighting the microbiome's complexity.
Proinflammatory cytokines and immune checkpoint proteins positively associated with Atopobiaceae-rich profiles, indicating a potential mechanism for immune evasion.
Elevated prooncogenic metabolites found in women colonized by Atopobiaceae, suggesting metabolic dysregulation.
Interpretation:
Atopobiaceae may contribute to HPV persistence and cervical cancer development through modulation of inflammation, immune evasion, and metabolic dysregulation, warranting further investigation into these mechanisms.
Limitations:
Study population primarily consisted of Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women, limiting generalizability and introducing potential demographic biases.
Cross-sectional design does not establish causation, necessitating longitudinal studies.
Conclusion:
Atopobiaceae represents a significant factor in the cervicovaginal microbiome that may influence HPV persistence and cervical cancer risk, suggesting potential for targeted interventions such as microbiome modulation or therapeutic strategies.
