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Related Concept Videos

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.
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...

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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
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Monocyte major histocompatibility complex class II expression in term and preterm labor.

Jillian Lloyd1, Meredith Allen, Mallika Azizia

  • 1Institute for Women's Health, and Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.

Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 7, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Term and preterm labor reduce maternal immune responses, specifically monocyte major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II expression and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production. This immune paresis may offer insights into managing threatened preterm labor.

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Last Updated: Jul 9, 2026

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08:19

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Published on: May 21, 2015

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
07:51

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Purification of HLA-G+ Extravillous Trophoblasts from Human Term Placental Tissues for Phenotyping and Functional Analysis
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Purification of HLA-G+ Extravillous Trophoblasts from Human Term Placental Tissues for Phenotyping and Functional Analysis

Published on: March 13, 2026

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Obstetrics
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

  • Pregnancy involves complex maternal immune adaptations to tolerate the fetus.
  • Understanding inflammatory responses in term and preterm labor is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of term and preterm labor on maternal proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.
  • To measure major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II expression on maternal monocytes and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples from 118 women were analyzed, including those in term labor, preterm labor (PTL), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and a gestation-matched reference group.
  • Monocyte MHC Class II expression was quantified using flow cytometry.
  • In vitro whole blood stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) assessed TNF-alpha production.

Main Results:

  • Term labor correlated with decreased monocyte MHC Class II expression and reduced LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha production compared to the third trimester.
  • Preterm labor and PROM groups exhibited a more pronounced reduction in MHC Class II expression than the reference group.

Conclusions:

  • Term and preterm labor are associated with reduced monocyte MHC Class II expression and TNF-alpha production, a state termed monocyte hyporesponsiveness or immune paresis.
  • This immune paresis pattern may provide insights into maternal inflammatory status.
  • Monitoring this state could aid in managing threatened PTL or preterm PROM.