title: The role of interferons in early pregnancy.
abstract: The interferons (IFNs) form part of the large family of glycoproteins known as cytokines. They are secreted by host cells as a line of defence against pathogens and certain tumours. IFNs affect cell proliferation and differentiation and also play a very important role in the functioning of the immune system. Miscarriage in both humans has been associated with higher levels of IFN, particularly IFN-γ. However, this cytokine is evidently vital in successful murine pregnancies since it is involved in maintaining the decidual layer in addition to remodelling of the vasculature in the uterus. The effects of IFN on human pregnancies are more difficult to study. Hence, there is still a lot more to be discovered in the hope of reaching a definite conclusion regarding the impact of IFN.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta , Msida , Malta , and.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Micallef
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Grech
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Farrugia
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schembri-Wismayer
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Calleja-Agius
mesh_terms: D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First / Q000276:immunology*; D017471:Receptors, Interferon / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D017471:Receptors, Interferon; D007372:Interferons