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Reproductive Immunology
Reproductive Immunology
Reproductive Immunology explores how the immune system can affect fertility and pregnancy. In some cases, the immune system may mistakenly view an embryo as a threat and interfere with its growth, leading to recurrent pregnancy loss or repeated IVF failures.​
Immune system issues are just one of many possible causes of infertility. Many pregnancies fail due to random chromosomal abnormalities, but these are less likely to cause repeated losses or multiple IVF failures — especially in younger patients.
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Specialized treatments in reproductive immunology aim to reduce inflammation and adjust immune responses, giving patients the best chance of achieving and sustaining a healthy pregnancy.
Reproductive Immunology Testing
Reproductive immunology testing is a series of specialized tests designed to evaluate the immune system’s role in infertility and pregnancy complications. These tests are often recommended when there is a history of recurrent miscarriage, failed IVF cycles, or unexplained infertility, and they can provide valuable insight into underlying causes.
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The immune system plays a vital role in reproductive health, and disruptions in its normal function can significantly affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Testing can identify abnormalities—such as autoimmune disorders or the presence of anti-sperm or anti-embryo antibodies—that may be contributing to infertility or pregnancy loss.
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Some standard tests for reproductive immunology are as follow:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test
The ANA test detects antibodies that react to components of a cell’s nucleus—such as DNA, nucleotides, and histones—that can enter the bloodstream after cell death. A positive result, particularly a speckled pattern with a titer of 1:40 or higher, has been associated with an increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.
Antiphospholipid antibody (APA) test
Phospholipids are essential molecules found on the surface of cells. While most cells display these structures only occasionally, placental cells consistently have phospholipids in their cell membranes. High levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) target these phospholipids, increasing blood clotting and restricting blood flow. When this thickening reduces circulation to an early-stage embryo or fetus—through the placenta, which is responsible for nutrient and oxygen exchange—it can lead to pregnancy loss.
Helper T 1 & 2 Assay
Helper T cells are a type of lymphocyte divided into two main subtypes: Helper 1 (Th1) and Helper 2 (Th2) cells. Th1 cells secrete cytokines that activate immune cells to attack and destroy perceived infected or abnormal cells. Th2 cells release cytokines that counterbalance Th1 activity. A natural balance between Th1 and Th2 is essential; however, a higher Th1-to-Th2 ratio has been associated with increased infertility and pregnancy loss.
Natural killer (NK) cell assay
Natural killer (NK) cells are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in immune defense, including detecting and destroying infected or abnormal cells. Elevated levels of circulating NK cells have been linked to recurrent pregnancy loss. The NK Cell Assay measures both NK cell activity and the ability of immunoglobulins to suppress that activity, providing insight into potential immune-related causes of infertility.
Antithyroid Antibodies (ATA)
TAs are linked to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by T cells in the uterine lining. Elevated ATA levels may indicate underlying T cell dysfunction, which can interfere with implantation and reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Regulatory T Cells
Regulatory T cells help control the natural tendency of a woman’s immune system to reject a semi-foreign fetus (which carries different DNA from the mother). Higher levels of these cells in the blood and endometrial lining have been linked to improved pregnancy outcomes.