Progesterone as an immunomodulatory molecule.
Increased progesterone sensitivity of pregnancy lymphocytes is due to activation-induced appearance of progesterone binding sites in the lymphocytes. Following recognition of fetally derived antigens gamma/delta TCR+ cells develop progesterone receptors. Progesterone binding results in the synthesis of a mediator protein named the progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF). PIBF by acting on the phospholipase A2 enzyme interferes with arachidonic acid metabolism, induces a Th2 biased immune response, and by controlling NK activity exerts an anti-abortive effect.
Szekeres-Bartho
J
J
Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Pecs University Medical School, 12 Szigeti Str., H-7643 Pecs, Hungary.
Barakonyi
A
A
Par
G
G
Polgar
B
B
Palkovics
T
T
Szereday
L
L
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D013491:Suppressor Factors, Immunologic
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; C110058:PIBF1 protein, human; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D013491:Suppressor Factors, Immunologic; D011374:Progesterone