title: Innate immunity in the human endometrium and ovary.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Microbial infections of the upper female genital tract perturb the function of the endometrium and ovary. Defense of these tissues is predominantly dependent on innate immunity. This review gives a perspective on innate immunity in the non-pregnant upper female genital tract of women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature review of innate immunity in the human endometrium and ovary.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The endometrium is defended against microbes by physical barriers, antimicrobial peptides, complement, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and other pattern recognition receptors. Endometrial epithelial and stromal cells express TLRs, which sense pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), leading to an inflammatory response with the influx of neutrophils and macrophages. Innate immunity in the endometrium is regulated by steroids, eicosanoids, and cytokines. Granulosa cells also express TLRs and respond to PAMPs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pattern recognition receptors have roles in endometrial and ovarian inflammation, and innate immunity is central to the defense of the endometrium against pathogens.
authors: Centre for Reproductive Immunobiology, Institute of Life Science, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK. I.M.Sheldon@swansea.ac.uk
authors: Iain Martin
authors: IM
authors: Sheldon
authors: John J
authors: JJ
authors: Bromfield
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004717:Endometrium / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000276:immunology*; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D051193:Toll-Like Receptors