Involvement of immune cells in the pathogenesis of endometriosis

Gentaro Izumi, Kaori Koga, Masashi Takamura, Tomoko Makabe, Erina Satake, Arisa Takeuchi, Ayumi Taguchi, Yoko Urata, Tomoyuki Fujii, Yutaka Osuga
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research · 2018 · vol. 44(2) , pp. 191–198 · doi:10.1111/jog.13559 · PMID:29316073 · W2784279186
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-06 ⓘ

Immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, NK cells, and T cells, contribute to endometriosis pathogenesis by promoting endometriotic cell growth, invasion, and angiogenesis, and by failing to eliminate ectopic endometrial cells.

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Abstract

Endometriosis is characterized by the implantation and growth of endometriotic tissues outside the uterus. It is widely accepted the theory that endometriosis is caused by the implantation of endometrial tissue from retrograde menstruation; however, retrograde menstruation occurs in almost all women and other factors are required for the establishment of endometriosis, such as cell survival, cell invasion, angiogenesis, and cell growth. Immune factors in the local environment may, therefore, contribute to the formation and progression of endometriosis. Current evidence supports the involvement of immune cells in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Peritoneal neutrophils and macrophages secrete biochemical factors that help endometriotic cell growth and invasion, and angiogenesis. Peritoneal macrophages and NK cells in endometriosis have limited capability of eliminating endometrial cells in the peritoneal cavity. An imbalance of T cell subsets leads to aberrant cytokine secretions and inflammation that results in the growth of endometriosis lesions. It is still uncertain whether these immune cells have a role in the initial cause and/or stimulate actions that enhance disease; however, in either case, modulating the actions of these cells may prevent initiation or disease progression. Further studies are needed to deepen the understanding of the pathology of endometriosis and to develop novel management approaches of benefit to women suffering from this disease.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Dendritic Cells Endometriosis Lymphocytes Macrophages Neutrophils Dendritic Cells Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Humans Lymphocytes Macrophages Neutrophils

Citation neighborhood

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