Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

07:51
Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Immunology of normal pregnancy
Kjersti M Aagaard-Tillery1, Robert Silver, Jess Dalton
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences, 30 North 1900 East, SOM 2B200, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. kjersti131@prodigy.net
Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
|June 21, 2006
Summary
Pregnancy involves complex immune system interactions, where the mother
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Maternal-fetal immune interactions
Background:
- The immunological paradox of pregnancy, concerning fetal allograft survival, remains a key research area.
- Understanding maternal immune tolerance is crucial for successful implantation and gestation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of normal pregnancy immunology.
- To explore the relationship between pregnancy immunology and common pregnancy disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immunological mechanisms in normal pregnancy.
- Analysis of immune evasion strategies supporting fetal survival.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy involves numerous intricate immune mechanisms promoting implantation and maintenance.
- These mechanisms are relevant to understanding pregnancy complications.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of normal pregnancy immunology is essential for addressing pregnancy disorders.
- Further research into maternal-fetal immune dialogue can improve obstetric outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Transcytosis of IgG
Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Rh Blood Group
The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...

