Epigenetic instability and hypofunctionality of fetal Tregs allow a permissive regulatory environment for T effector memory maturation.

ABSTRACT: The human gestational environment is commonly perceived to be predominantly suppressive and incompatible for T effector maturation. However, evidence of a competent effector fetal environment is mounting in the field. Here, we employed a high parametric, mass cytometry-based approach to study the fetal circulatory and microenvironmental immunomes, with the aim to understand the inception and extent of fetal effector T cell priming and its relation with regulatory mechanisms. We found evidence of fetal thymic immune imprinting, coupled with both circulatory and tissue effector memory development. Correspondingly, in the regulatory compartment, we detected the presence of Tbet⁺Treg in fetal tissues at elevated levels compared to adult tissues. Fetal Tregs, though capable of suppre

SUBMITTER: Leong JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12318238 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature