title: Human Decidual Stromal Cells as a Component of the Implantation Niche and a Modulator of Maternal Immunity.
abstract: The human decidua is a specialized tissue characterized by embryo-receptive properties. It is formed during the secretory phase of menstrual cycle from uterine mucosa termed endometrium. The decidua is composed of glands, immune cells, blood and lymph vessels, and decidual stromal cells (DSCs). In the process of decidualization, which is controlled by oestrogen and progesterone, DSCs acquire specific functions related to recognition, selection, and acceptance of the allogeneic embryo, as well as to development of maternal immune tolerance. In this review we discuss the relationship between the decidualization of DSCs and pathological obstetrical and gynaecological conditions. Moreover, the critical influence of DSCs on local immune cells populations as well as their relationship to the onset and maintenance of immune tolerance is described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 73 Tsarigradsko Shose, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Kameliya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vinketova
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 73 Tsarigradsko Shose, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Milena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mourdjeva
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 73 Tsarigradsko Shose, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
authors.forename: Tsvetelina
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-7968-8340
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oreshkova
mesh_terms: D003656:Decidua / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000276:immunology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D011374:Progesterone