T-cell Cytokines in Pregnancy

• Published in: American journal of reproductive immunology (1989) Vol. 47; no. 5; pp. 289 - 294
• Main Author: PICCINNI, MARIE-PIERRE
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford UK Munksgaard International Publishers 01.05.2002; Blackwell
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cytokines - biosynthesis; Decidua - cytology; Decidua - immunology; Embryo Implantation - immunology; Embryonic and Fetal Development - immunology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hormones; Humans; IL-4; Immune Tolerance; LIF; Mother. Fetoplacental unit. Mammary gland. Milk; Oocytes - immunology; pregnancy; Pregnancy - immunology; Pregnancy Maintenance - immunology; Pregnancy. Parturition. Lactation; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Th1 Cells - immunology; Th1/Th2; Th2 Cells - immunology; Vertebrates: reproduction; Human; Embryonic development; Cumulus oophorus; Leukemia inhibitory factor; Review; Decidua; Pregnancy; Ovary; Interleukin 4; Uterus; Ovum implantation; Female genital system; T-Lymphocyte; Interleukin 10; Female; Macrophage colony stimulating factor; Ovarian follicle
• ISSN: 1046-7408; 1600-0897
• DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0897.2002.01104.x

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.