Nonhuman primate placental MHC expression: a model for exploring mechanisms of human maternal-fetal immune tolerance.
Placental contributions to the establishment of maternal-fetal immune tolerance, and placental influences on maturation and vascular development of the endometrium in the human have been difficult to explore directly. Although significant differences exist in organization and relevant gene expression between human and nonprimate placentas, the nonhuman primate has substantial potential to provide insights into the physiology of human pregnancy and maternal-fetal immune tolerance. In this report, we will summarize major histocompatability complex class I gene expression in the nonhuman primate placenta and present progress in characterizing the immune cells resident in the primate endometrium. Finally, we will outline new experimental approaches for modifying placental function now available to move research forward in this field.
Golos
Thaddeus G
TG
Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI 53715-1299, USA. golos@primate.wisc.edu
D000818:Animals; D035843:Biomedical Research; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D004717:Endometrium / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000276:immunology*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D023421:Models, Animal; D010920:Placenta / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011323:Primates / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic
D006680:HLA Antigens; D059951:HLA-G Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic