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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...
Transcytosis of IgG01:15

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...
Active versus Passive Immunity01:31

Active versus Passive Immunity

Immunity, along with the ability to limit pathogen growth to prevent significant body tissue damage, can be gained either by (1) actively developing an immune response within the individual after exposure to a pathogen or after getting vaccinated or (2) passively transferring immune components from an immune individual to one who is nonimmune. Both these forms of immunity can be found naturally and in medical practices.
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Humoral Immune Responses01:36

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Immunological Memory01:23

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
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Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...

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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

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

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

Published on: May 21, 2015

Changes in serum immunity during pregnancy.

Elizabeth M Miller1

  • 1Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, 1085 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. emmill@umich.edu

American Journal of Human Biology : the Official Journal of the Human Biology Council
|February 4, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pregnancy alters maternal immunity, decreasing adaptive immune responses like measles antibody titers while boosting innate immunity markers such as C-reactive protein and white blood cell counts.

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Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
07:51

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

Published on: May 21, 2015

Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
13:00

Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Published on: July 31, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Maternal Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Pregnancy necessitates localized immune tolerance for fetal acceptance.
  • Systemic immune system changes in maternal serum during pregnancy remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of pregnancy on maternal adaptive and innate immune markers.
  • To elucidate the systemic immunological shifts occurring during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 1,351 women from the NHANES 1999-2000 dataset.
  • Utilized complex survey regression to assess immune markers.
  • Adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI).

Main Results:

  • Pregnant women exhibited higher C-reactive protein and white blood cell counts.
  • Pregnant women showed lower measles antibody titers and lymphocyte counts compared to nonpregnant women.
  • Observed a dual pattern of immune alteration: reduced adaptive immunity, increased innate immunity.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal immune changes during pregnancy support a hypothesis of reduced adaptive immunity and enhanced innate immunity.
  • These alterations may contribute to maintaining immune function homeostasis during pregnancy.
  • The precise function of these homeostatic immune responses in pregnancy requires further investigation.