Roles of Regulatory T Cells in Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Numerous studies have shown aberrant immune cell function in endometriosis, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages (MΦ). These alterations are thought to be induced by various mechanisms that promote the disease. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) may account for a decreased ability of newly recruited leukocytes to initiate effective immune responses against viable endometrial fragments, permitting their survival. Tregs differentiate during the development of endometriosis, which confer immunosuppression or play other roles in disease progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the regulation and roles of Tregs in endometriosis. These data provide further scientific evidence for the altered immune response in endometriosis, which could be a potential target in the treatment of endometriosis. This review could create new diagnostic strategies and effective immune-targeted therapies for this highly prevalent disease. Recent progress in the field indicates that these goals may be achieved in the future.