The Th1/Th2 paradigm: still important in pregnancy?
The enunciation of the T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) paradigm in pregnancy has represented a major step forward in our understanding of physiological and pathologic materno-foetal relationship. However, recent developments in studies of the implantation process and in the emergence of the uterine vascular bed and its control by natural killer cells and cytokines suggest that one must go beyond this hitherto useful scheme. In this review, we replace the emergence of the paradigm in its historical context and then emphasises what it does explain and what it no longer account for. A final reappraisal of the paradigm is suggested.
Chaouat
Gérard
G
Unité 782 Inserm, 32 rue des Carnets 92141 Clamart, France. gerard_chaouat@wanadoo.fr
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D010920:Placenta / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000276:immunology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*
D016207:Cytokines; D006680:HLA Antigens