Autoantibodies: Key Mediators of Autoimmune Infertility

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases have gender bias with predominance in females, autoimmune infer- tility (AI) being no exception. This chapter will focus on AI in females with brief reference to the same in males. Autoimmune diseases have established protocols for detection and management of ensuing infertility, however similar protocols for unexplained infertility [tubal blockage, endometriosis, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), undiagnosed under- lying autoimmune disease (Sjögren ’ s syndrome, IBS, celiac disease) and tubal blockage] are not established. Endometriosis and POI, in particular, have autoimmune etiology yet lack specific and sensitive biomarkers for accurate diagnosis. If autoantibodies are indeed diagnosed, then treatment regimen focuses on AI which has known adverse effects. The detec- tion of natural antibodies as autoantibodies presents a viable alternative to organ specific biomarker panel for better management of AI.