CD8A and HIV-1 infection: The present study explored some of the immune mechanisms operating in the mucosal microenvironment of HESN women and identified mucosal natural cytotoxicity receptor-expressing NK cells, CXCR5+ CD8+ T cells, follicular T helper cells, and soluble markers as well as a highly diverse cervicovaginal microbiome as potential correlates of protection against HIV-1 infection.