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Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Gonadal and Placental Hormones01:24

Gonadal and Placental Hormones

The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
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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.
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Development of Immunocompetence01:22

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.
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Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

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.
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Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Isolation Protocol of Mouse Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells and Their Subsequent In Vitro Activation with Tumor Immune Complexes
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Chorionic gonadotropin can enhance innate immunity by stimulating macrophage function.

Hui Wan1, Marjan A Versnel, Wai Yee Cheung

  • 1Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. h.wan@erasmusmc.nl

Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|July 13, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) enhances macrophage immune functions crucial for pregnancy. This placental glycoprotein boosts innate immunity responses without affecting T cell stimulation, supporting a healthy pregnancy.

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Published on: March 12, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key pregnancy hormone with incompletely understood immunological roles.
  • Successful pregnancy requires balancing maternal innate immunity and tolerance to fetal antigens.
  • Macrophages (Mφ) are critical immune cells involved in innate responses and pregnancy maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of hCG on macrophage (Mφ) function.
  • To elucidate the role of hCG in modulating innate immunity during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of IFN-γ-primed macrophages with hCG.
  • Assays for nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), IL-6, and IL-12p40 production.
  • Assessment of phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and allogeneic T cell proliferation.
  • In vivo studies using thioglycollate-elicited macrophages.

Main Results:

  • hCG treatment increased NO, ROS, IL-6, and IL-12p40 production in primed macrophages.
  • hCG enhanced macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic cells.
  • Macrophage-mediated allogeneic T cell proliferation remained unaffected by hCG.
  • In vivo studies confirmed enhanced phagocytic ability of hCG-treated macrophages.

Conclusions:

  • hCG significantly enhances key macrophage functions related to innate immunity.
  • hCG supports pregnancy by bolstering immune defenses without compromising T cell tolerance.
  • The observed effects are receptor-mediated and involve the protein kinase A signaling pathway.