Maternal microchimeric cell trafficking and its biological consequences depend on the onset of inflammation at the feto-maternal interface

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Microchimerism is defined as the presence of a small population of genetically distinct cells within a host that is derived from another individual. Throughout pregnancy, maternal and fetal cells are known to traffic across the feto-maternal interface and result in maternal and fetal microchimerism, respectively. However, the routes of cell transfer, the molecular signaling as well as the timing in which trafficking takes place are still not completely understood. Recently, the presence of inflammation at the feto-maternal interface has been linked with maternal microchimeric cells modulating organ development in the fetus. Here, we review the current literature and suggest that inflammatory processes at the feto-maternal interface tissues are a physiological prerequisite for the establishment of microchimerism. We further propose a spatio-temporal corridor of microchimeric cell migration to potentially explain some biological effects of microchimerism. Additionally, we elaborate on the possible consequences of a shift in this spatio-temporal corridor, potentially responsible for the development of pathologies in the neonate.