The immune system plays an important role in the development and success of pregnancy. Physiologically, the maternal immune system should host “non-self” antigens expressed by the embryo. Moreover, autoimmune disorders, autoantibodies, and lymphocyte subpopulations can affect pregnancy progress and can lead to maternal complications, sometimes life-threatening. In this context, it is well known that antiphospholipid antibodies are related to a wide spectrum of obstetric complications, ranging from eclampsia to recurrent miscarriages. In addition, natural killer subpopulations influence pregnancy outcome. It has been suggested that a good immunological state favours embryo implantation. A growing body of evidences also relate sterility and infertility to autoimmune disorders.

On the other hand, pregnancy on its turn may represents a risk condition for the development and worsening of autoimmunity, since hormonal and antigenic stimuli may cause a shift in the immune balance.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as clinical studies that seek to address the role of autoimmune diseases, autoantibodies, and immune cells in the pathogenesis of obstetric pathologies and sterility/infertility. A particular interest will be given to exploring and discussing targeted and integrative (holistic) treatment of autoimmunity during pregnancy.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Autoantibodies related to pregnancy disorders
• Lymphocyte subpopulations and recurrent miscarriages
• Infertility/sterility and autoimmunity
• Hormonal balance and autoimmunity
• Drugs, autoimmunity, and pregnancy
• Integrative treatment of autoimmunity related to pregnancy and infertility/sterility