The possible role of the Jak/STAT pathway in lymphocytes at the fetomaternal interface.
Pregnancy is accompanied by a Th2-prone immune modulation, which is a major puzzle piece among maternofetal tolerance-promoting factors. A large number of cytokines is physiologically or pathologically present in the decidua and is potentially able to act on lymphocytes and NK cells, which express a variety of respective receptors. Intracellular signals from these receptors are to a major part transduced via the Janus kinases (JAK) and signal transducers and activators of a transcription (STAT) system, which consists of at least 4 different kinases and 7 STATs plus several subtypes and splicing variants. A network of suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) controls their balance. The interactions of all these intracellular factors and cross-linking with further signaling systems seem to be crucial for the maintenance of a maternal cytokine profile which promotes the tolerance of the fetus.
Poehlmann
Tobias G
TG
Department of Obstetrics, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
Busch
Susann
S
Mussil
Bianka
B
Winzer
Harald
H
Weinert
Judith
J
Mebes
Imke
I
Schaumann
Andreas
A
Fitzgerald
Justine S
JS
Markert
Udo R
UR
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D003656:Decidua / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000276:immunology
D016207:Cytokines; D006133:Growth Substances; D015534:Trans-Activators; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases