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Immune-endocrine crosstalk during pregnancy
Rohini R Nair1, Priyanka Verma2, Kiran Singh2
1Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele University and Institute, Milano, Italy.
General and Comparative Endocrinology
|March 12, 2016
Summary
Successful pregnancy relies on immune-endocrine crosstalk. Key hormones like estrogen and progesterone modulate maternal immune cells, ensuring fetal tolerance and supporting pregnancy, parturition, and lactation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Pregnancy success hinges on synchronized immune-endocrine interactions at the maternal-fetal interface.
- Hormones are crucial for maintaining a suitable uterine environment, fetal nutrition, parturition, and lactation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of pregnancy-related hormones in immunomodulation for successful pregnancy outcomes.
- To elucidate the immune-endocrine crosstalk at the maternal-fetal interface during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on hormonal roles in pregnancy immunology.
- Analysis of endocrine-immune interactions during pregnancy and assisted reproductive technologies.
Main Results:
- Estrogen, progesterone, and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin are key players in maternal immune modulation.
- These hormones influence immune cells (B cells, dendritic cells, NK cells, macrophages, neutrophils) to promote fetal tolerance.
- Hormonal support in assisted reproductive technology can improve pregnancy outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Immune-endocrine crosstalk is fundamental for successful pregnancy.
- Pregnancy hormones actively shape the maternal immune system to accommodate the semiallogeneic fetus.
- Understanding these interactions offers insights into improving reproductive health and ART outcomes.
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