Related Experiment Videos
Immune signalling at the maternal-fetal interface and trophoblast differentiation
1Department of Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
In this review the afferent and efferent signals involved in immune signalling at the maternal-fetal interface are highlighted in the light of recent information. MHC antigen expression is reviewed. Immunizing mothers against class I and II MHC antigens can prevent spontaneous fetal resorption in mice. In addition, the CSF family of cytokines is not only secreted in placental tissues, but also play a role in trophoblast proliferation and differentiation. GM-CSF in particular appears to promote trophoblast syncytialization and the synthesis of human chorionic gonadotropin and human placental lactogen. Recent knock-out experiments indicate that CSF-1 is essential for complete fertility. Finally, the fact that the CSF cytokines promote HIV release from macrophages indicates that the knowledge gained in this area could lead to a better understanding of the transmission of the HIV virus from the mother to the fetus through the trophoblast.
In this review the afferent and efferent signals involved in immune signalling at the maternal-fetal interface are highlighted in the light of recent information. MHC antigen expression is reviewed. Immunizing mothers against class I and II MHC antigens can prevent spontaneous fetal resorption in mice. In addition, the CSF family of cytokines is not only secreted in placental tissues, but also play a role in trophoblast proliferation and differentiation. GM-CSF in particular appears to promote trophoblast syncytialization and the synthesis of human chorionic gonadotropin and human placental lactogen. Recent knock-out experiments indicate that CSF-1 is essential for complete fertility. Finally, the fact that the CSF cytokines promote HIV release from macrophages indicates that the knowledge gained in this area could lead to a better understanding of the transmission of the HIV virus from the mother to the fetus through the trophoblast.