Placental macrophages are highly heterogeneous cells with differential phenotypes and functions defined by differential origins and modulated by the changing placental environment. During pregnancy, placental macrophages play a critical role in embryo implantation, placenta formation and homeostasis, fetal development and parturition. This review summarizes recent findings on the cellular origin of placental macrophages, and provide a comprehensive description of their phenotypes, corresponding molecular markers and functions in human placenta. Finally, alterations of placental macrophages in pregnancy-related diseases are discussed.
Keywords: HBC; Hofbauer cell; Maternal macrophage; PAMM; Phenotype; Placenta.
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