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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
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.
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.
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.
