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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
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Immune cells in term and preterm labor.

Nardhy Gomez-Lopez1, Derek StLouis2, Marcus A Lehr2

  • 11] Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Immunology & Microbiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA [2] Perinatology Research Branch NICHD/NIH, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.

Cellular & Molecular Immunology
|June 24, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Immune cells, including innate and adaptive types, play a crucial role in labor. Imbalances in these immune cells can lead to preterm labor and birth, impacting neonatal health.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Immunology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Innate and Adaptive Immunity

Background:

  • Labor involves an inflammatory response with immune cell signaling at the maternal-fetal interface.
  • Preterm labor, driven by premature inflammatory activation, is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity.
  • Understanding labor at a cellular and molecular level is vital for addressing preterm birth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of innate and adaptive immune cells in physiological and pathological labor.
  • To explore immune cell involvement in the cervix, myometrium, fetal membranes, decidua, and fetus during pregnancy and labor.
  • To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying preterm labor.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of published studies on immune cells in pregnancy and labor.
  • Analysis of the roles of innate immune cells (neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells).
  • Examination of adaptive immune cells (T-cell subsets, B cells) and their role in fetomaternal tolerance.
  • Investigation of immune cells bridging innate and adaptive immunity (NKT cells, DCs).

Main Results:

  • Innate immune cells mediate labor through pro-inflammatory factors like cytokines and chemokines.
  • Adaptive immune cells are crucial for maintaining pregnancy; alterations contribute to term and preterm labor.
  • Immune cells such as NKT cells and DCs appear involved in preterm labor pathophysiology.

Conclusions:

  • A balance between innate and adaptive immune cells is essential for sustaining pregnancy.
  • Disruptions in immune cell balance can precipitate labor at term or preterm.
  • Further research into immune cell dynamics is critical for preventing preterm birth.