Beyond sex hormones and reproductive organs, reproductive health relies on the proper function of the immune system. Under normal conditions, the immune system protects the body from pathogens and other threats while recognizing the self. In reproductive organs, the immune system must also support the development of sperm and oocytes, as well as fertilization and pregnancy. Thus, infections and inflammation in reproductive organs may lead to infertility and problems during pregnancy. This commentary introduces a special collection of Reproduction and Fertility on the relationship between the immune system and the male and female reproductive tracts. This special collection includes articles showing how immune responses can help or harm fertility and explores new ways to diagnose and treat reproductive disorders, with the goal of improving reproductive health.
Pleuger et al. (Tue,) studied this question.