Reproductive Immunology
Reproductive Immunology is the study of immune system contributions to implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and fertility-related conditions. Research in this field has clarified several immune pathways relevant to reproductive outcomes. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) elevates thrombotic risk at implantation sites and is a treatable cause of recurrent pregnancy loss.1 Elevated uterine natural killer cell activity and autoimmune and thrombophilic disorders appear in a subset of couples with otherwise unexplained implantation failure.2 Chronic endometritis disrupts the endometrial environment and associates with recurrent implantation failure and pregnancy loss.3 The endometrial microbiome is an adjacent area of investigation: microbial imbalance in the uterine environment correlates with implantation outcomes independent of structural pathology.4 RRM clinicians may incorporate reproductive immunology evaluation when the clinical picture suggests an immune contributor, particularly in couples with recurrent pregnancy loss or thrombophilia.
Cited in this entry
- Antithrombotic therapy to prevent recurrent pregnancy loss in antiphospholipid syndrome. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8252114/
- ESHRE guideline: recurrent pregnancy loss. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6276652/
- Chronic endometritis in women with recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26456229/
- Moreno I, Codoñer FM, Vilella F, et al. Evidence that the endometrial microbiota has an effect on implantation success or failure. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;215(6):684-703. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27717732/
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult an RRM clinician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.