Immunology of Uterine and Vaginal Mucosae: (Trends in Immunology 39, 302-314, 2018). uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Along with maintaining symbiotic mutualism with commensal microbes and protection against invasive infections common to all mucosal barrier tissues, female reproductive tissues have additional unique tasks that include dynamic cyclic cellular turnover in menstruation and immunological tolerance to genetically foreign fetal antigens in pregnancy. Herein, we review current knowledge on distinct features of the immune cells in the female reproductive tissue with regards to antimicrobial host defense and adaptations to accommodate the fetus during pregnancy. Outstanding areas for future research to shed new functional insights on this enigmatic mucosal barrier is also highlighted.

publication date

  • March 9, 2018

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC5880711

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85043371956

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.it.2018.02.006

PubMed ID

  • 29530651

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 39

issue

  • 4