Effectors regulatory T cells in pregnancy (and autoimmunity?).
In this review, we put the discovery of 'suppressor T cells' in pregnancy in an historical perspective, and then highlight some of the data that precluded the resurrection of the phenomenon in the last years. We then review the evidence for the existence of Tregs in murine and human pregnancy. We then emit our opinion on some data presented in a murine abortion system. We review the evidence linking the cyclic recruitment of Tregs in the uterus with preparation for pregnancy, and how this, via endocrine signals, might affect autoimmunity.
Chaouat
Gérard
G
U 782 INSERM, 32 Rue des Carnets, 92141 Clamart, Cedex, France. gerard_chaouat@wanadoo.fr