Reproductive immunology

Reproductive immunology is a field of medicine that studies interactions (or the absence of them) between the immune system and components related to the reproductive system, such as maternal immune tolerance towards the fetus, or immunological interactions across the blood-testis barrier. The concept has been used by fertility clinics to explain the fertility problems, recurrent miscarriages and pregnancy complications observed when this state of immunological tolerance is not successfully achieved. Immunological therapy is the new up and coming method for treating many cases of previously "unexplained infertility" or recurrent miscarriage.

Overview

Reproductive immunology refers to a field of medicine that studies interactions (or the absence of them) between the immune system and components related to the reproductive system. The concept has been used by fertility clinics to explain the fertility problems, recurrent miscarriages and pregnancy complications observed when this state of immunological tolerance is not successfully achieved.

Immunological interactions

Immunological interactions across the blood-testis barrier are an important part of reproductive immunology. The blood-testis barrier is a physical barrier between the blood vessels and the seminiferous tubules of the testes. This barrier is formed by tight and adherens junctions between the Sertoli cells, which are responsible for nurturing the developing sperm cells.

Immunological tolerance

Immunological tolerance is a crucial aspect of reproductive immunology. This is the immune system's ability to tolerate the presence of the fetus, which is genetically different from the mother. If this tolerance is not achieved, it can lead to fertility problems, recurrent miscarriages, and pregnancy complications.

Immunological therapy

Immunological therapy is a new method for treating many cases of previously "unexplained infertility" or recurrent miscarriage. This therapy is based on the concept of modulating the immune response to improve fertility outcomes.

See also

• Immune system
• Reproductive system
• Blood-testis barrier
• Immunological tolerance
• Immunological therapy

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