Transfer of regulatory T cells into abortion-prone mice promotes the expansion of uterine mast cells and normalizes early pregnancy angiogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Implantation of the fertilized egg depends on the coordinated interplay of cells and molecules that prepare the uterus for this important event. In particular, regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key regulators as their ablation hinders implantation by rendering the uterus hostile for the embryo. In addition, the adoptive transfer of Tregs can avoid early abortion in mouse models. However, it is still not defined which mechanisms underlie Treg function during this early period. Cells of the innate immune system have been reported to support implantation, in part by promoting angiogenesis. In particular, uterine mast cells (uMCs) emerge as novel players at the fetal-maternal interface. Here, we studied whether the positive action of Tregs is based on the expansion of uMCs and the promotion of an

SUBMITTER: Woidacki K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4565045 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature