Abstract:

Cervical cancer, the fourth most common malignant tumor among women globally, is closely associated with persistent infection by high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV). The vaginal microbiome (VMB) and its metabolites are key factors influencing the outcome of HR-HPV infection and the progression of cervical lesions. Under healthy conditions, a Lactobacillus-dominant VMB maintains an acidic vaginal environment through the secretion of lactic acid, releases hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and bacteriocins to inhibit HPV adsorption and replication, and simultaneously regulates innate and adaptive immunity to promote viral clearance. Conversely, VMB dysbiosis can induce chronic inflammation by activating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), damage the vaginal epithelial barrier, and accelerate lesion progression. Metabolites such as lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids are involved in the pathological process by modulating immune cell function and inflammatory pathways. In current VMB-based intervention strategies, approaches such as probiotic supplementation and traditional Chinese medicine can effectively restore microbial balance, enhance immune responses, and improve the rate of HPV clearance.

Key words: Microbiota, Vagina, Papillomaviridae, Tumor virus infections, Uterine cervical diseases, Immunomodulation