Recent Insight into the Role of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 Pathway in Feto‐Maternal Tolerance and Pregnancy |
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Authors: | Mao‐Xing Tang Zhao‐Zhao Liu Ai‐Hua Liao |
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Institution: | Family Planning Research Institute, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China |
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Abstract: | Pregnancy presents a great challenge to the maternal immune system. Given that maternal alloreactive lymphocytes are not depleted during pregnancy, local and/or systemic mechanisms have to serve a central function in altering the maternal immune responses. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway are both critical in controlling the immune responses. Recent studies have proved the critical function of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway in regulating the T‐cell homeostasis and the peripheral tolerance through promoting the development and function of Tregs, and inhibiting the activation of effector T cells. The function of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway in feto‐maternal interface and pregnancy has been investigated in human and animal models of pregnancy. In this review, we provide recent insight into the role of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway in regulating T‐cell homeostasis, maternal tolerance, and pregnancy‐related complications as well as its possible applicability in clinical immunotherapy. |
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Keywords: | feto‐maternal interface immune tolerance programmed death‐1 PD‐L1 pregnancy |
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