Multiplicity of molecular and cellular targets in human ovarian autoimmunity: an update

PURPOSE: To provide an update of putative auto-antigens identified and proposed to be involved in human ovarian autoimmunity. METHODS: Review of literature pertaining to ovarian auto-antigens / proteins identified with various immunological tools using sera of infertile women as a probe for investigation. RESULTS: An overview of autoimmune targets known till date in the study of human ovarian autoimmunity. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-ovarian antibodies (AOA) to multiple components and compartments of the ovary are present in the sera of infertile women. Researchers propose that these AOA may be responsible for ovarian failures and therefore render women to be infertile. Evaluation of AOA can be effective as a prognostic factor in the treatment of infertile patients and for the IVF-ET program.