How Do Immune Cells Contribute to Reproductive Health?
Immune cells in the female reproductive tract are essential for various physiological processes:
- Menstrual Cycle: Immune cells like macrophages and T cells are involved in the cyclical changes of the endometrium, facilitating tissue remodeling and menstruation. - Pregnancy: Immune tolerance is critical during pregnancy to allow fetal development. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and certain macrophages create an immune-privileged environment. - Infection Defense: The reproductive tract is exposed to pathogens. Immune cells such as neutrophils and NK cells provide the first line of defense against infections.
