Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Isolation of Primary Human Decidual Cells from the Fetal Membranes of Term Placentae
Published on: April 30, 2018
Innate immunity, decidual cells, and preeclampsia
Chang-Ching Yeh1, Kuan-Chong Chao, S Joseph Huang
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8063, USA.
Preeclampsia (PE) involves immune system imbalance, particularly involving decidual cells at the fetal-maternal interface. This review explores how innate immunity dysregulation contributes to PE development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Obstetrics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Preeclampsia (PE) affects 3-8% of pregnancies, causing significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
- PE leads to intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery, and long-term health issues, imposing a socioeconomic burden.
- Successful pregnancy relies on balanced immune responses at the fetal-maternal interface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of innate immunity in preeclampsia pathogenesis.
- To investigate the potential contribution of decidual cells in preeclampsia development.
- To highlight the immune-modulating functions of decidual cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on innate immunity and decidual cells in pregnancy.
- Analysis of existing evidence linking immune dysregulation to preeclampsia.
- Synthesis of findings on decidual cell interactions with other immune and placental cells.
Main Results:
- Imbalanced innate immunity, influenced by decidual cells, is implicated in preeclampsia pathogenesis.
- Decidual cells modulate local immune balance through interactions with immune cells, endothelial cells, and trophoblasts.
- Evidence suggests a critical role for decidual cells in maintaining immune homeostasis during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Decidual cells are key players in regulating the immune microenvironment at the fetal-maternal interface.
- Dysfunction of decidual cells and innate immunity contributes significantly to preeclampsia.
- Further research into decidual cell function is crucial for understanding and potentially treating preeclampsia.
Related Concept Videos
Development of Immunocompetence
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
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...
Hormonal Regulation
Teratogenicity
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...

