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T‐cell Cytokines in Pregnancy
Author(s) -
PICCINNI MARIEPIERRE
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0897.2002.01104.x
Subject(s) - pregnancy , decidua , immunology , decidualization , embryo , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , fetus , placenta , genetics
PROBLEM: Immunological mechanisms induced by T cells may play an important role in preimplantation embryo development, in implantation process and in the phenomenon of fetal allograft tolerance. METHODS: We review existing data on the role of T cells in pregnancy. RESULTS: The production of LIF, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10 and M‐CSF by the decidual T cells may contribute to the maintenance of pregnancy. T cells are not only confined to the uterus. T cells are also present in cumulus oophorus and are able to produce LIF and IL‐4. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may provide an initial cue in favor of the possibility that different cytokines produced by T cells acting in concert are required to create a suitable microenvironment for the preimplantation embryo development and for the maintenance of pregnancy. T cells could work in parallel with other cells present in the decidua and cumulus suggesting a complex network of hormones, cytokines and cells.