Regulatory T cells and regulatory natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in feto-maternal tolerance

Semin Immunopathol. 2007 Jun;29(2):115-22. doi: 10.1007/s00281-007-0067-2.

Abstract

In the early pregnancy decidua, lymphocytes express some activation markers on their surface, suggesting that maternal lymphocytes are activated and recognize the semiallograftic fetus. Therefore, the immunoregulation system must work to prevent fetus rejection. Recent data showed that parts of the immunoregulation system such as CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, Th3 cells, Tr1 cells, regulatory NK cells, and a tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme, indolamine 2,3 deoxygenase, play very important roles in the maintenance of pregnancy. Not only Treg cells but also regulatory NK cells may inhibit maternal T cell or NK cell fetal attack.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Decidua / immunology
  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / immunology*
  • HLA Antigens / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange / immunology*
  • Pregnancy
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism

Substances

  • HLA Antigens