Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where the ovaries produce too many androgen hormones. It’s a leading cause of infertility that affects 8-13% of people with ovaries. The underlying cause is unknown. We hypothesize that immune cells in the ovaries called Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) contribute to this disorder by responding to androgens and causing inflammation. We recently showed that ILC2s are found in mouse ovaries and cause significant inflammation in response to androgens. To test our hypothesis, we will examine the ILC2s in ovaries of people with and without PCOS. Then we will use mouse models of PCOS to study the mechanism of how ILC2s are being activated by androgens. We hope to determine the role of ILC2s in this disorder and find out whether reducing their number can improve symptoms of PCOS.
