Immune Regulation in Pregnancy: A Matter of Perspective?
The maternal immune system is complex and governed by multiple hormonal and metabolic factors, including those provided to the mother via the fetus. Understanding of the balance between maternal tolerance and protection of the fetus may require thinking from multiple theoretical approaches to the general problem of immune activation and tolerance. This article provides a brief review of the immune system, with aspects relevant to pregnancy. The references include reviews that expand on the elements discussed. The article also uses different models of immune system activation and tolerance to provide a theoretical understanding of the problem of maternal tolerance.
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Given Building Room C-246, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. Electronic address: ebonney@uvm.edu.
Elizabeth A
EA
Bonney
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D007112:Immunity, Maternally-Acquired / Q000502:physiology*; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D011247:Pregnancy
Immune regulation; Maternal tolerance; Pregnancy