title: Endometriosis-induced changes in regulatory T cells - insights towards developing permanent contraception.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder that is associated with alterations in the immune system that contributes to its pathology as well as its associated infertility.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This brief report summarizes our findings related to the changes in T regulatory cells (Tregs) that may affect the uterine environment and impact the fertility of women and nonhuman primates with endometriosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Targeted therapies that could reduce Tregs within the reproductive tract may have a potential as long-lasting or permanent contraception.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, MI 48824, USA. Electronic address: asgi@hc.msu.edu.
authors.forename: Asgerally T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Fazleabas
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, IL 62702, USA.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Braundmeier
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, MI 48824, USA.
authors.forename: Kirstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Parkin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology; D018448:Models, Immunological; D048530:Papio anubis; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive / Q000379:methods*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*
keywords: Endometriosis; Immune cells; Inflammation; Uterine environment