Role of Natural Killer (NK) Cells in Endometriosis

Roshanak  Balalak; Marzieh  Ebrahimi; Elham  Amirghaghmaghi

doi:10.18502/ssu.v34i4.22066

Roshanak Balalak Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Science, Faculty New Biological Sciences and Technologies, University of Science and Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
Marzieh Ebrahimi Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
Elham Amirghaghmaghi Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v34i4.22066

Keywords: Endometriosis, Natural Killer (NK) cells, Immunology

Abstract

Introduction: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that depends on estrogen and affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age. Although the exact cause of endometriosis remains unclear, it is suggested that combination of genetic, hormonal, and immunological factors is involved in its pathogenesis. Studies have shown that impaired immune system function plays a role in the development of endometriotic lesions. One type of immune cells that may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis is the natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are components of the innate immune system and play a critical role in defending against infections and eliminating abnormal cells, including cancerous cells. They are also involved in maternal-fetal tolerance and maintaining reproductive health. Increasing evidence suggests that both the function and number of NK cells are altered in endometriosis. Furthermore, recent research has shown promising results regarding the potential role of NK cells in the treatment of endometriosis.