Immunology of implantation

Abstract

Important reproductive events including implantation, trophoblast invasion, placental development, and immune protection are regulated by the immune system at the maternal-fetal interface. This maternal-fetal immune interaction is complex, and it is difficult to perceive the whole process based on one mechanism of action. Clearly, there are multiple mechanisms for the induction of peripheral and local tolerance during pregnancy that prevent fetal rejection while maintaining a strong and active immune surveillance against viral or bacterial infections, which may endanger the successful outcome and the survival of the species.