title: Immunologic regulation in pregnancy: from mechanism to therapeutic strategy for immunomodulation.
abstract: The immunologic interaction between the fetus and the mother is a paradoxical communication that is regulated by fetal antigen presentation and/or by recognition of and reaction to these antigens by the maternal immune system. There have been significant advances in understanding of abnormalities in the maternal-fetal immunologic relationship in the placental bed that can lead to pregnancy disorders. Moreover, immunologic recognition of pregnancy is vital for the maintenance of gestation, and inadequate recognition of fetal antigens may cause abortion. In this paper, we illustrate the complex immunologic aspects of human reproduction in terms of the role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), immune cells, cytokines and chemokines, and the balance of immunity in pregnancy. In addition, we review the immunologic processes of human reproduction and the current immunologic therapeutic strategies for pathological disorders of pregnancy.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan.
authors: Shyi-Jou
authors: SJ
authors: Chen
authors: Yung-Liang
authors: YL
authors: Liu
authors: Huey-Kang
authors: HK
authors: Sytwu
mesh_terms: D000033:Abortion, Threatened / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D018925:Chemokines / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D056747:Immunomodulation; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D018925:Chemokines; D006680:HLA Antigens