A Role for Placental Mast Cells in Normal and Complicated Pregnancy

Soraya Mezouar, Joana Vitte an

Abstract

Mast cells are often categorized as the main actors of allergy disorders, however their involvement in innate and adaptive immunity is being increasingly recognized. According to their location, mast cells exhibit tissue-specific phenotypes and functions. Uterine mast cells are welldocumented as key regulators of implantation, placentation and fetal growth throughout pregnancy, but the role of placental mast cells remains obscure. The present review provides an overview of current knowledge of placental mast cells in terms of location physiology and functions in normal and complicated pregnancy.