Forbearance of the Immune System during pregnancy: Fetal parasite takes an estrogenic way!

Malini Laloraya, Renjini A Pad

Abstract

Understanding the mission of managing the genetically diverging fetus as “transitory self” by the mother during pregnancy is vital in detailing the state of immunological tolerance. Hormones dictate the whole event and helps in enrolling, differentiating and altering the functions of immune cells. Estrogen the decisive hormone during embryo implantation as it activates embryo for adhesion and determines the window of uterine receptivity, along with progesterone exerts control over differentiating endometrial and immune cells. This review focuses on how estrogen modulates various immune cells to develop a uterine milieu conducive for the growth of the fetus.

Relevant Publications in Reproductive Immunology: Open Access