IngentaConnect Tolerance Signaling Molecules and Pregnancy: IDO, Galectins, and ...

Authors: Terness, Peter¹; Kallikourdis, Marinos²; Betz, Alexander G²; Rabinovich, Gabriel A³; Saito, Shigeru⁴; Clark, David A⁵

Source: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, Volume 58, Number 3, September 2007 , pp. 238-254(17)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

Abstract:

Problem

Is the concept of maternal tolerance preventing rejection of the semi-allogeneic `fetal allograft' still valid? Method of study

Compilation of expert reviews of literature and recent advances in research on indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase (IDO), regulatory T cells and galectin-1. Results and Conclusion

A role for IDO in pregnancy success remains speculative, but solid data exist to support a role for Treg cells, and for galectin-1 in induction and action of Treg cells. Just as several signals may need to be simultaneously present to induce Th1 cytokine-triggered abortions, more than 1 signal may need to be simultaneously present to prevent rejection and ensure success. Both complement and coagulation pathways appear necessary for embryo execution.

Keywords: Galectin-1; IDO; pregnancy immunology; tolerance; Treg cells

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2007.00510.x

Affiliations: 1: Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; 2: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK; 3: Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental IBYME-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina; 4: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan, and Center of Excellence (COE) 21st program, Japan; 5: Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada

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Tolerance Signaling Molecules and Pregnancy: IDO, Galectins, and the Renaissance of Regulatory T Cells