Dual action microbicides: reappraisal of their roles in contraceptive research  Poornima Chandran, Syed N Kabir  Reproductive BioMedicine Online  Volume 20, Issue 1, Pages 103-113 (January 2010) DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2009.10.018 Copyright © 2009 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Mucosal transmission of sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogen: STI causing pathogens for example HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infiltrate through the mucosal barrier and meticulously targets the CD4+ T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, defensins and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitors (SLPI) to form a local repertoire. This repertoire facilitates the sequestration to the lymphoid tissue causing complete takeover of the lymphoid tissue, widespread viremia ensues and ultimately leads to the destruction of the lymphoid tissue coupled with relentless spread of infection. Reproductive BioMedicine Online 2010 20, 103-113DOI: (10.1016/j.rbmo.2009.10.018) Copyright © 2009 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Terms and Conditions

Figure 2 Potential targets for microbicidal action include (i) topical application of microbicide acts as a physical barrier cum lubricant that prevents entry of sexually transmitted infection (STI) pathogens, (ii) membrane disruption of the pathogen, (iii) enhance the vaginal mileu (for instance, lactobacilli) thus strengthening the intrinsic barrier to infiltrating pathogen, (iv) pathogens that have circumvented this barrier are either put to an end at the entry, replication or fusion steps. Reproductive BioMedicine Online 2010 20, 103-113DOI: (10.1016/j.rbmo.2009.10.018) Copyright © 2009 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Terms and Conditions