Infections are a major threat to human reproductive health, and infections in pregnancy can
cause prematurity or stillbirth, or can be vertically transmitted to the fetus leading to …

The placenta is a transient fetal organ that plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of
both the fetus and its mother. Functionally, the placenta sustains the growth of the fetus as it …

Macrophage infiltration is a hallmark of solid cancers, and overall macrophage infiltration
correlates with lower patient survival and resistance to therapy. Tumor-associated …

The role of the maternal immune system in reproductive success in humans remains
controversial. Here we focus on the events that occur in the maternal decidua during the first …

Oxygen levels in the placental microenvironment throughout gestation are not constant, with
severe hypoxic conditions present during the first trimester. This hypoxic phase overlaps …

The gut microbiome has important roles in host metabolism and immunity, and microbial
dysbiosis affects human physiology and health. Maternal immunity and microbial …

The placenta has evolved to support the development of the embryo and fetus during the
different intrauterine periods of life. By necessity, its development must precede that of the …

CC motif ligand 2 (CCL2), also known as monocytic chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), is an
integral chemotactic factor which recruits macrophages for the immune response. Together …

A successful human pregnancy requires precisely timed adaptations by the maternal
immune system to support fetal growth while simultaneously protecting mother and fetus …

The importance of a fully functioning placenta for a good pregnancy outcome is
unquestioned. Loss of function can lead to pregnancy complications and is often detected by …