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This mini review synthesizes current understanding of stage-specific autophagy dynamics within the reproductive system, focusing on its critical roles in gametogenesis, implantation, placentation, and parturition. It specifically examines how these processes intersect with immune regulation at the maternal–fetal interface to maintain cellular homeostasis and support successful reproduction.

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Abstract

Autophagy is a conserved intracellular degradation mechanism critical for cellular homeostasis, differentiation, and adaptation to stress. Within the reproductive system, autophagy plays a dynamic, stage-specific role in gametogenesis, implantation, placentation, and parturition, aligning cellular metabolism and immune regulation to reproductive demands. Dysregulation of autophagic pathways contributes to reproductive pathology, including infertility, pre-eclampsia, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), underscoring its significance in reproductive health. This review aims to synthesise current understanding of stage-specific autophagy regulation in reproductive tissues, with a focus on its intersection with immune dynamics at the maternal–foetal interface. It highlights mechanistic pathways, immune cell modulation, and pathological outcomes associated with altered autophagy. Data were drawn from recent peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed, Frontiers, and ScienceDirect, focusing on studies published between 2018 and 2025 that investigated autophagyrelated gene expression, signalling pathways, and immune modulation in reproductive tissues. Comparative analyses integrated molecular, cellular, and physiological findings across mammalian models and human studies. Autophagy acts as an integrative regulatory mechanism bridging cellular metabolism and immune adaptation in the reproductive system. Understanding its temporal and spatial regulation provides essential insight into fertility, pregnancy maintenance, and the pathogenesis of gestational disorders. Future research should explore therapeutic strategies that target autophagy to restore immune homeostasis and improve reproductive outcomes.

Key findings

  • Autophagy exhibits dynamic, stage-specific regulation essential for differentiation and adaptation to stress across various reproductive phases.
  • Dysregulation of autophagic pathways is directly linked to significant reproductive pathologies such as infertility, pre-eclampsia, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • The review highlights specific mechanistic pathways involving autophagy-related gene expression and signaling that modulate immune cell behavior at the maternal–fetal interface.

Keywords

AutophagyImmune systemMechanism (biology)Cell biologyPolycystic ovaryReproductive immunology

Identifiers

DOI
10.62830/mmj3-01-4a
Journal
A Mini Review on Stage-Specific Autophagy Dynamics and Immune Regulation in the Reproductive System
Year
2026