Fetal-maternal exchange of multipotent stem/progenitor cells: microchimerism in diagnosis and disease.
The biological concept of microchimerism, the bidirectional trafficking and stable long-term persistence of small numbers of allogeneic (fetal and maternal) cells in a genetically different organ, has gained considerable attention. Microchimerism is a common phenomenon in many species, including humans, and microchimeric cells can modify immunological recognition or tolerance, affect the course and outcome of various diseases and demonstrate stem cell-like or regenerative potential. Here, we review current knowledge of the biology of microchimerism and show how long-term allogeneic co-existence within an organism can impact on existing paradigms in chronic disease, cancer biology, regenerative medicine and fetal-maternal immunology. We discuss diagnostic challenges, clinical applications and future research directions in this exciting and rapidly emerging field of allogeneic fetal-maternal cell exchange.
Klonisch
Thomas
T
Departments of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. klonisch@cc.umanitoba.ca
Drouin
Régen
R
D000818:Animals; D046528:Chimerism; D003933:Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D023421:Models, Animal; D039902:Multipotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D011247:Pregnancy