The vaginal microbiome, especially close to the cervical tissue, is a key factor in tissue homeostasis and the integrity of the protective mucous layer.  A healthy microbiome confers healthy immune and metabolic signalling.  Infection by pathological microbes cause dysbiosis, disturbing this sensitive balance, and pave the way for HPV infections that can develop into life-threatening cancers.  This excellent review article details the relationship between changes in the vaginal microbiome and the progression of disease in HPV-related cervical cancer.

https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10030714