Autophagy-mediated immune system regulation in the reproductive system

The reproductive system is uniquely designed to balance immune activation and tolerance, ensuring both protection from pathogens and successful reproduction. The immune system within the reproductive organs must delicately regulate its responses to avoid attacking sperm, oocytes, or the developing embryo, which are semi-allogenic and might otherwise be targeted as foreign. Autophagy, a critical cellular process for the degradation and recycling of cellular components, plays a significant role in this regulation. It influences immune cell function, cytokine production, and the maintenance of immune tolerance, particularly in the ovaries, endometrium, and testis. Disruption in this balance due to autophagy dysregulation can lead to inflammatory conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and recurrent pregnancy loss, impacting fertility and reproductive health. Understanding the mechanisms by which autophagy modulates immune responses in the reproductive system is essential for developing new therapeutic approaches to these conditions.

The primary goal of this Research Topic is to deepen our understanding of how autophagy regulates immune responses within the reproductive system and to address critical gaps in current knowledge. Despite recent advancements illuminating the molecular pathways by which autophagy influences immune cell function and hormonal interactions, key mechanisms remain unclear. We aim to uncover how autophagy modulates immune tolerance in reproductive tissues, particularly in maternal-fetal interactions, and to investigate the effects of environmental endocrine disruptors on autophagy and immune regulation, as limited research exists on how these substances contribute to reproductive disorders via autophagic dysregulation.

Additionally, exploring the role of autophagy in reproductive aging and inflammaging is essential to understand its impact on ovarian aging, diminished ovarian reserve, and the prevalence of reproductive disorders in older individuals. Examining the relationship between metabolic disturbances—such as obesity and diabetes—and autophagy-mediated immune responses addresses conditions not thoroughly explored in this context. Furthermore, assessing sex-specific differences in autophagy-mediated immune regulation between male and female reproductive systems is crucial for developing gender-specific therapies. By addressing these areas, we seek to advance knowledge and uncover novel therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy to restore reproductive health, improve fertility, and mitigate the effects of metabolic and environmental stressors.

This Research Topic aims to explore and expand understanding of autophagy-mediated immune regulation within the reproductive system, addressing critical knowledge gaps. We seek contributions that investigate:

-Mechanisms of Autophagy in Immune Tolerance: How autophagy modulates immune tolerance in reproductive tissues, including maternal-fetal interactions.
-Impact of Environmental and Metabolic Factors: Effects of endocrine disruptors and metabolic disturbances (e.g., obesity, diabetes) on autophagy and immune regulation.
-Autophagy in Reproductive Aging and Inflammaging: The role of autophagy in age-related reproductive decline and chronic inflammation.
-Autophagy and Immune Cell Function: Impact on T-cells, macrophages, and NK cells, including roles in antigen presentation and cytokine production.
-Hormonal Regulation: Interplay between autophagy and hormones like estrogen and progesterone in immune responses, particularly in PCOS or menopause.
-Endometrial Immune Tolerance and Implantation: How autophagy affects the endometrial immune environment during implantation and embryo acceptance.

We invite original research articles, reviews, brief communications, and case reports that advance knowledge and develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy to improve reproductive health and fertility.

Eytan Barnea has research related to preImplantation factor-discoverer and pursue to clinical application. All other topic editors declare no conflicts of interest

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Autophagy, Reproductive Immunology, Hormonal Regulation, Transcriptomics and Epigenomics, Endocrine Disruptors, Immune Tolerance, Pathogen Defense in Reproductive Tissues

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.