Vol. 301, Issue 2, 402-409, May 2002

Characteristics of the Fetal/Maternal Interface with Potential Usefulness in the Development of Future Immunological and Pharmacological Strategies

Kenneth L. Audus, Michael J. Soares and Joan S. Hunt

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry (K.L.A.), University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Pathology, and Laboratory Medicine (J.S.H.), University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology (M.J.S.), University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas

A study of the fundamental biology of the maternal-fetal interface reveals the complex interactions among multiple cell types and regulatory factors necessary to support a successful pregnancy. Cells of decidua and trophoblast lineages play central roles in creating the maternal-fetal interface and are sources of regulatory factors that can determine the quality and success of pregnancy. The regulatory factors considered here are major placental histocompatibility complex proteins, pregnancy-specific regulatory factors for uterine inflammatory cells, and hormone-controlled placental multidrug-resistant transport systems. Potential targets are discussed and presented as areas where researchers may identify novel pharmacological and immunological strategies that eventually will extend to the clinic to improve the quality and success of pregnancy.