pregnancy immunology

1. The immunology of pregnancy
has been considered as a host–
graft response characterized by
immune suppression and
consequently a period of
increased risk of bacterial and
viral infection.

2. However, accumulating evidence
suggests that pregnancy is a
more complex immunological
condition, and thus a
reassessment of many the
immunological processes
evaluated during pregnancy is
required.

3. Whereas a successful organ
transplant requires constant
immunosuppression, a
successful pregnancy requires a
robust, dynamic and responsive
immune system.

4. Embryo implantation and
trophoblast invasion require a
local inflammatory environment
that promotes cell clearance,
angiogenesis, cell growth and
tolerance.

5. Interferon-β is a crucial immune
modulator during pregnancy; it
protects the fetus against viral
infections and contributes to the
process of immune regulation at
the maternal–fetal interface.

6. The immune response
associated with placental viral
infections can affect maternal
and fetal survival.

7. Maternal inflammation due to
viral or bacterial infections has
detrimental consequences for
fetal development.