Open AccessDoes Altered Cellular Metabolism Underpin the Normal Changes to the Maternal Immune System during Pregnancy?
Author(s) -
Benjamin Jenkins,
April Rees,
Nicholas Jones,
Catherine A. Thornton
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
immunometabolism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2633-0407
DOI - 10.20900/immunometab20210031
Subject(s) - pregnancy , immune system , fetus , anabolism , placenta , metabolism , catabolism , biology , phenotype , energy metabolism , homeostasis , gestation , physiology , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , endocrinology , biochemistry , genetics , gene
Pregnancy is characterised by metabolic changes that occur to support the growth and development of the fetus over the course of gestation. These metabolic changes can be classified into two distinct phases: an initial anabolic phase to prepare an adequate store of substrates and energy which are then broken down and used during a catabolic phase to meet the energetic demands of the mother, placenta and fetus. Dynamic readjustment of immune homeostasis is also a feature of pregnancy and is likely linked to the changes in energy substrate utilisation at this time. As cellular metabolism is increasingly recognised as a key determinant of immune cell phenotype and function, we consider how changes in maternal metabolism might contribute to T cell plasticity during pregnancy.