TLRs, macrophages, and NK cells: our understandings of their functions in uterus and ovary

Int Immunopharmacol. 2011 Oct;11(10):1442-50. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2011.04.024. Epub 2011 May 14.

Abstract

Inflammation involves multiple changes in many aspects of immune system. Interactions between immune system and female reproductive system strongly impact fertility and reproductive health in general. Many normal events of female reproduction system including ovulation, menstruation, implantation and labor onset are considered as inflammatory process. Emerging evidence reveals that three components of immune system that are critical to initiate and resolve inflammation, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells, play important roles not only to provide protection against infections by exogenous pathogens but also to regulate essential functions of uterus and ovary. This review will briefly summarize our understanding of the functions of TLRs, macrophages and NK cells in uterus and ovary.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Fertility / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
  • Labor Onset / immunology*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Ovary / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology*
  • Uterus / physiology*

Substances

  • Toll-Like Receptors