The Role of Immune Cells in Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Reprod Sci. 2021 Dec;28(12):3303-3315. doi: 10.1007/s43032-021-00599-y. Epub 2021 Jun 8.

Abstract

Recurrent spontaneous abortion affects approximately 1-2% of women of childbearing, and describes a condition in which women suffer from three or more continuous spontaneous miscarriages. However, the origin of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains unknown, preventing effective treatment and placing stress upon patients. It has been acknowledged that successful pregnancy necessitates balanced immune responses. Therefore, immunological aberrancy may be considered a root cause of poor pregnancy outcomes. Considerable published studies have investigated the relationship between various immune cells and RSA. Here, we review current knowledge on this area, and discuss the five main categories of immune cells involved in RSA; these include innate lymphocytes (ILC), macrophages, decidual dendritic cells (DCs), and T cells. Furthermore, we sought to summarize the impact of the multiple interactions of various immune cells on the emergence of RSA. A good understanding of pregnancy-induced immunological alterations could reveal new therapeutic strategies for favorable pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords: Immune cells; Immune dysfunction; Maternal-fetal immunity; Recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Habitual / immunology*
  • Abortion, Habitual / pathology*
  • Abortion, Spontaneous / immunology
  • Abortion, Spontaneous / pathology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / immunology*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Pregnancy
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology