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Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
How pregnancy can affect autoimmune diseases progression?
Marie-Pierre Piccinni1, Letizia Lombardelli1, Federica Logiodice1
1Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DENOTHE of the University of Florence, Florence, Italy ; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy.
Pregnancy influences autoimmune diseases by shifting immune responses. Hormonal changes promote a Th2-type cytokine profile, involving regulatory cells that can manage autoimmune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Autoimmune disorders involve immune system self-reactivity, leading to tissue damage.
- These conditions may stem from genetic/environmental factors and impact reproduction.
- The review focuses on pregnancy's effect on autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of pregnancy on the progression of autoimmune diseases.
- To explore the immunological shifts during pregnancy that influence autoimmunity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on immunological changes during pregnancy.
- Analysis of the roles of T helper cells (Th17/Th1, Th2) and regulatory T cells (Treg).
Main Results:
- Pregnancy promotes a shift towards Th2-type cytokines, crucial for maternal tolerance of the fetus.
- Hormonal changes contribute to this immune modulation.
- Specific immune cells like Th2, Th17/Th2, and Treg cells accumulate during pregnancy and can regulate autoimmune responses.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy significantly alters the maternal immune system, influencing the course of autoimmune diseases.
- Immune cells and cytokine profiles during pregnancy play a role in managing autoimmune conditions.
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