Mini-organs uncover the uterine cervix’s defense system — a coordinated immune network within the cervical epithelium. 📄 Read the full paper: Science Advances (DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ady1640)

For the first time, we’ve discovered that each cell type in the human cervical epithelium has its own defense strategy — yet all work together in a highly coordinated way to fight infection. 

Using miniature lab-grown models of the cervix (organoids) and single-cell technologies, our new Science Advances study reveals that the cervical epithelium is far from a passive barrier. Each epithelial cell type plays a distinct role: some strengthen the physical barrier, while others release immune and antimicrobial signals that alert and protect neighboring cells. 

Remarkably, uninfected “bystander” cells next to infected ones can sense distress and activate strong antimicrobial and interferon responses, amplifying protection across the epithelium through precise intercellular communication. 

This discovery redefines how we understand the cervical epithelium — not as a static tissue, but as a dynamic, self-protecting defense network. It opens new avenues for women’s health, paving the way for next-generation mucosal vaccines and antimicrobial therapies that harness the body’s own natural immunity.

I am proud of our amazing team — especially first author Pon Ganish Prakash for his exceptional scientific dedication and for driving this work forward, and deeply appreciative of the wonderful contributions of Naveen Kumar, Stefanie Koster, Christian Wentland, Jayabhuvaneshwari Dhanraj, and Rajendra Kumar Gurumurthy, which made this discovery possible

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