title: Macrophage-trophoblast interactions.
abstract: During implantation and pregnancy, the invading trophoblast population is within close contact to maternal immune cells, particularly macrophages. During this period, a low level of trophoblast cell death occurs as part of the normal process of tissue renewal. Macrophage engulfment of apoptotic trophoblast cells prevents the release of potentially pro-immunogenic intracellular contents and prevents a maternal immune response. Furthermore, the uptake of apoptotic cells suppresses macrophages from secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus creating a microenvironment that will promote trophoblast survival and a successful pregnancy. The present chapter will describe some of the approaches used to study the interaction between macrophages and trophoblast cells.
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Immunology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Gil
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mor
authors.forename: Shawn L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Straszewski-Chavez
authors.forename: Vikki M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Abrahams
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000502:physiology*