Exploration of Immunology (Dec 2021)

Pregnancy depends on a delicate balance of immune activation and regulation

  • Shigeru Saito,
  • Akitoshi Nakashima,
  • Tomoko Shima,
  • Sayaka Tsuda

DOI
https://doi.org/10.37349/ei.2021.00031
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 1, no. 5
pp. 461 – 478

Abstract

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It is well recognized that immune tolerance is important to prevent semiallografted fetuses from rejection by maternal immunocompetent cells; however, immune activation also plays an important role in placental development and fetal growth. Basic and clinical studies have shown that an imbalance between immune activation and regulation can lead to implantation failure, miscarriage, and preeclampsia. Here, the balance between immunostimulation and immunoregulation in reproduction will be reviewed.

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