Figure 6.

Schematic representation of NG‐induced enhanced HIV‐1 transmission across the ecto‐cervical tissues. NG infection of the epithelial surface leads to secretion of IL‐1β, which induces production of epithelial CXCL10 and IL‐8 upon HIV‐1 infection. These cytokines being chemo‐attractants for immune cells cause migration of higher HIV‐1 target CD3+ T cells to the periphery of the epithelium and the intraepithelial region which then fuels the increase in the HIV‐1 replication at the sub‐mucosa and consequently enhances HIV‐1 transmission