title: Influenza, immune system, and pregnancy.
abstract: Influenza is a major health problem worldwide. Both seasonal influenza and pandemics take a major toll on the health and economy of our country. The present review focuses on the virology and complex immunology of this RNA virus in general and in relation to pregnancy. The goal is to attempt to explain the increased morbidity and mortality seen in infection during pregnancy. We discuss elements of innate and adaptive immunity as well as placental cellular responses to infection. In addition, we delineate findings in animal models as well as human disease. Increased knowledge of maternal and fetal immunologic responses to influenza is needed. However, enhanced understanding of nonimmune, pregnancy-specific factors influencing direct interaction of the virus with host cells is also important for the development of more effective prevention and treatment options in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA.
authors.forename: Renju S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Raj
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Bonney
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA mphillippe@mgh.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Phillippe
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007114:Immunization; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000276:immunology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines
keywords: adaptive immunity; influenza; innate immunity; pregnancy