Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Innate Lymphoid Cells at the Maternal-Fetal Interface in Human Pregnancy
Rui-Qi Chang1, Wen-Jie Zhou1, Da-Jin Li1,2
1Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200082, People's Republic of China.
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are crucial for immune tolerance during pregnancy. This review explores their role in normal and pathological pregnancies, including preeclampsia.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Pregnancy requires maternal immune tolerance to fetal antigens.
- Decidual immune cells influence pregnancy success, including trophoblast invasion and vascular remodeling.
- Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are key in mucosal immunity and tissue homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the presence and characterization of ILCs in the human decidua.
- To examine the function of decidual ILCs in normal pregnancy.
- To explore the role of ILCs in pathological pregnancy conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ILCs in the human decidua.
- Analysis of ILC presence, phenotype, and function.
- Correlation of ILC activity with pregnancy outcomes.
Main Results:
- ILCs are present and characterized in the human decidua.
- Decidual ILCs contribute to maternal-fetal immune tolerance and pregnancy processes.
- Altered ILC function is implicated in pregnancy complications.
Conclusions:
- ILCs play a significant role at the maternal-fetal interface.
- Understanding decidual ILCs is vital for managing normal and pathological pregnancies.
- Further research into ILCs may offer therapeutic targets for pregnancy disorders.
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...
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
Secondary Lymphoid Organs
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
Introduction to Lymphatic and Immune System
The immune responses can be categorized into two types: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity comprises nonspecific defenses we are...

