Journal of Shandong University (Health Sciences) ›› 2021, Vol. 59 ›› Issue (8): 8-13.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1671-7554.0.2021.0958

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Molecular mechanisms of NK cells involved in endometriosis and its associated infertility

SHAN Jing, WANG Xiaoqiu, LI Dajin   

  1. Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200090, China
  • Published:2021-09-16

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Abstract: As the first line of defense of the immune system, NK cells are involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and tumors. NK cells in different states of activation have different functions, which are closely related to the outcome of the disease. Although endometriosis(EMS)is a common and benign gynecological disease, the growth characteristics of ectopic foci are similar to tumors, and the damaged eutopic endometrium is associated with abnormal embryo implantation, which is an important cause of EMS-related infertility. Although it has been established that the abnormal immune microenvironment is an important factor promoting the growth of ectopic foci, and NK cells are the key cells in ectopic milieu, the in-depth functional regulation mechanism and its potential role played in endometrial injury are still poorly understood. This article updates the research progress of NK cells in the pathogenesis of EMS, in order to provide better understanding of the pathogenesis of EMS and EMS-related infertility, and new ideas for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EMS and EMS-related infertility.

Key words: NK cells, Endometriosis, Ectopic milieu, Infertility

CLC Number: 

  • R711.71
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