Effectors regulatory T cells in pregnancy (and autoimmunity?)

Abstract

In this review, we put the discovery of ‘suppressor T cells’ in pregnancy in an historical perspective, and then highlight some of the data that precluded the resurrection of the phenomenon in the last years. We then review the evidence for the existence of Tregs in murine and human pregnancy. We then emit our opinion on some data presented in a murine abortion system. We review the evidence linking the cyclic recruitment of Tregs in the uterus with preparation for pregnancy, and how this, via endocrine signals, might affect autoimmunity.

Keywords::

• implantation
• pregnancy
• regulation
• regulatory T cells
• tolerance

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.