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Chapter category: Reproductive Biology

Toll Like Receptors and Pregnancy

This chapter appears in the following book:

Immunology of Pregnancy

Edited by: Gil Mor
ISBN: 0-387-30612-9
» Get more information about this book at landesbioscience.com «

Chapter authors:
Vikki M. Abrahams and Gil Mor


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The maternal-fetal interface represents an immunologically unique site that must promote tolerance to the allogenic fetus, whilst maintaining host defense against a diverse array of possible pathogens. Clinical studies have shown a strong association between certain pregnancy complications and intrauterine infections. Therefore, innate immune responses to microorganisms at the maternal-fetal interface may have a significant impact on the success of a pregnancy. There is growing evidence that trophoblast cells are able to recognize and respond to pathogens through the expression of Toll-like receptors, a system characteristic of innate immune cells. This review will discuss the role of Toll-like receptors at the maternal-fetal interface, the potential for trophoblast cells to function as components of the innate immune system and the impact TLR-mediated trophoblast responses may have on a pregnancy.

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