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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
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Decidual macrophages as therapeutic targets in preterm labour
Emilie O Paterson1, Daniel J Short1, Victoria Male1
1Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|June 17, 2025
Abstract
None:
The initiation of labour in humans remains poorly understood, although there is mounting evidence for a role for decidual macrophages. These may trigger labour by promoting a proinflammatory state, thereby modulating progesterone signalling and weakening fetal membranes. Preclinical work targeting macrophages therapeutically shows promise in preventing preterm labour, underscoring their significance in this process.
