Role of autoantibodies in infertility, miscarriage, and assisted reproductive technology outcomes

Abstract

Although considerable advances have been made in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART), millions of couples still suffer from infertility and miscarriage. In a large number of cases, the etiology of these common reproductive failures remains unknown. However, the significance of autoantibodies in infertility and miscarriage has sparked extensive interest because of their pleiotropic roles in disrupting normal pregnancy. This review discusses the pleiotropic roles of a series of autoantibodies in infertility and miscarriage. A brief recapitulation of how the autoantibodies interfere with ART outcomes and treatments for this type of idiopathic infertility or miscarriage is also provided. While several disputes remain to be resolved, further studies employing better designs and larger sample sizes are required in view of the therapeutic potential of autoantibody inhibitors and the future of contraceptive vaccines.

Keywords

• antiphospholipid antibody; in vitro fertilization; oocyte; sperm; zona pellucida