CLTA-4 Expression Is Associated with the Maintenance of Chronic Inflammation in Endometriosis and Infertility
Monika Abramiuk, Dominika Bębnowska, Rafał Hrynkiewicz, Paulina Niedźwiedzka‐Rystwej, Grzegorz Polak, Jan Kotarski, Jacek Roliński, Ewelina Grywalska
Abstract
Altered immune mechanisms are implicated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. CTLA-4 is a membrane receptor that favors the anergic state of lymphocytes, which may disrupt the immune system response in the endometriotic environment. In this study, we examined the expression of CTLA-4 on T and B cells by flow cytometry and its levels in blood serum and peritoneal fluid by ELISA. Levels of CTLA-4+ T cells were significantly higher in patients with more advanced endometriosis than in those with less advanced disease. Additionally, the negative correlation of CTLA-4+ T lymphocytes and the percentage of NK and NKT-like cells in women with endometriosis and infertility may indicate a different etiopathogenesis of endometriosis accompanying infertility. Our findings shed light on the potential of CTLA-4 in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in endometriosis management.