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MAIT Cells at the Fetal-Maternal Interface During Pregnancy
Helen Kaipe1,2, Johanna Raffetseder3, Jan Ernerudh4
1Division of Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Frontiers in Immunology
|September 25, 2020
Summary
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells accumulate in the placenta during pregnancy. These immune cells may protect the fetus from infection and maintain tissue health without harming the semi-allogeneic fetus.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- The placenta acts as a barrier but involves immune cell crosstalk.
- Maternal immune tolerance of the fetus is crucial yet challenging.
- Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are immune cells with antimicrobial functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on MAIT cells in pregnancy.
- To explore potential roles of MAIT cells at the fetal-maternal interface.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MAIT cells during pregnancy.
- Discussion of MAIT cell recruitment and function in the placenta.
Main Results:
- MAIT cells are found in maternal blood at term pregnancy.
- Placental chemotactic factors may recruit MAIT cells.
- MAIT cells are activated by MR1 molecules and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- MAIT cells may protect the fetus from bacterial infections.
- MAIT cells could maintain placental tissue homeostasis.
- Their lack of alloantigen reactivity prevents harm to semi-allogeneic fetal tissues.
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