The Causal Relationship Between Immune Cells and Infertility: A Mendelian Randomisation Study

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Genetics
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Infertility is a global health issue with complex causes, including immunological factors.
• Previous research on immune inflammation and infertility has produced conflicting results.
• Understanding the immune system's role is crucial for addressing infertility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between immune cell signatures and infertility using Mendelian randomization.
• To identify specific immune cell phenotypes associated with infertility risk.
• To provide evidence for novel therapeutic strategies targeting immune mechanisms in infertility.

Main Methods:

• Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed to assess causality.
• Utilized genetic variations as instrumental variables for 731 immune cell signatures.
• Data sourced from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with validated instrumental variables.

Main Results:

• Identified 27 statistically significant immune cell phenotypes associated with infertility out of 731.
• CD28- CD25++ CD8+ %T cell was the primary risk factor (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.42).
• Activated and resting Treg AC demonstrated a protective effect (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82-0.97).

Conclusions:

• Established a correlation between specific immune cell characteristics and female infertility.
• Findings suggest potential immune pathways involved in infertility.
• Results may guide future research and the development of immunomodulatory therapies for infertility.