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Immunologic Aspects of Endometriosis

  • REVIEW
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Endometriosis is now widely considered to be a disease characterized by chronic inflammation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature regarding the immunologic aspects of endometriosis and highlight recent advances in the field.

Summary

The microenvironment of the endometrium and peritoneal cavity form the foundation for development of endometriosis. Each is structurally comprised of an assortment of immunologic components, including immune cells, signaling factors, and the microbiome, in an estrogen-dependent, pro-inflammatory setting, fueling endometriotic disease. This leads to the angiogenesis and neuroinflammation seen in disease progression.

Recent Findings

Recent findings center on translational studies that build on years of research on the interplay of the immune system, steroidogenic hormones, and endometriosis to develop new biomarkers for early detection and therapeutics for prevention and treatment of disease.

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Funding

Dr. Michael Rogers declares the following sources of funding: grants or contracts from the NIH (1R01HD110922-01, 1R21HD109491-01, 1R21CA274098-01, 1R01EY033354-01A1, R01EY012726-01), Marriott Daughters Foundation, and JW and Alice Marriott Foundation.

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  1. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Alexandria N. Young & Mark D. Hornstein

  2. Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Parmida Maghsoudlou & Louise P. King

  3. Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Michael S. Rogers

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A.Y. and P.M. wrote the main manuscript, and L.K., M.R., and M.H. provided editorial support.

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Dr. Michael Rogers declares the following conflicts of interest: grants or contracts from MediBioFarma, Cygnal Therapeutics, Gliknik Therapeutics, Nocion Therapeutics, and Alnylam Therapeutics; honoraria and/or meeting support from the Center for Cancer Biomarkers (University of Bergen, Norway), Brigham Young University, University of Rochester Medical Center, and Cygnal Therapeutics; and patents from the Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Mark Hornstein declares the following conflicts of interest: royalties or licenses from UpToDate, participation in Data Safety Monitoring or Advisory Board from WINFertility and Intelon Optics, and stock options from Intelon Optics.

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Young, A.N., Maghsoudlou, P., King, L.P. et al. Immunologic Aspects of Endometriosis. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep 13, 24–36 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-024-00373-2

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