The role of decidual regulatory T cells in the induction and maintenance of fetal antigen-specific tolerance: Imbalance between regulatory and cytotoxic T cells in pregnancy complications

Sayaka Tsuda, Akitoshi Nakashima, Keiko Morita, Tomoko Shima, Satoshi Yoneda, Hiroyuki Kishi, Shigeru Saito*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Fetal antigen-specific tolerance is important for maintaining allogeneic pregnancies. Maternal conventional T cells recognize fetal antigens; however, regulatory T (Treg) cells suppress immune reactions against the fetus. Fetal antigen-specific Treg cells are induced in the decidua upon contact with antigen-presenting cells and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Functional alteration of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) in the decidua also contributes to maintaining the pregnancy. Reduced, dysfunctional, and imbalanced Treg cell distribution likely contributes to the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage and preeclampsia. Recent studies have revealed differences in Treg cell characteristics during preeclampsia and miscarriage. Treg cell reduction in the decidua is likely associated with miscarriage. Insufficient expansion of fetal antigen-specific Treg cells in the decidua probably plays a role in preeclampsia pathogenesis. In addition, the balance between Treg cell-mediated tolerance and functional alteration of CTLs is important. Further investigations of functional molecules in Treg cells will contribute to the development of immunotherapy for pregnancy complications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)346-352
Number of pages7
JournalHuman Immunology
Volume82
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021/05

Keywords

  • Miscarriage
  • Preeclampsia
  • Pregnancy
  • cytotoxic T cell
  • regulatory T cell

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of decidual regulatory T cells in the induction and maintenance of fetal antigen-specific tolerance: Imbalance between regulatory and cytotoxic T cells in pregnancy complications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this