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The New Old CD8+ T Cells in the Immune Paradox of Pregnancy

Hardardottir L, Bazzano MV, Glau L, Gattinoni L, Koeninger A, Tolosa E, Solano ME (2021)

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Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Book Volume: 12

Article Number: 765730

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.765730

Abstract

CD8+ T cells are the most frequent T cell population in the immune cell compartment at the feto-maternal interface. Due to their cytotoxic potential, the presence of CD8+ T cells in the immune privileged pregnant uterus has raised considerable interest. Here, we review our current understanding of CD8+ T cell biology in the uterus of pregnant women and discuss this knowledge in relation to a recently published immune cell Atlas of human decidua. We describe how the expansion of CD8+ T cells with an effector memory phenotype often presenting markers of exhaustion is critical for a successful pregnancy, and host defense towards pathogens. Moreover, we review new evidence on the presence of long-lasting immunological memory to former pregnancies and discuss its impact on prospective pregnancy outcomes. The formation of fetal-specific memory CD8+ T cell subests in the uterus, in particular of tissue resident, and stem cell memory cells requires further investigation, but promises interesting results to come. Advancing the knowledge of CD8+ T cell biology in the pregnant uterus will be pivotal for understanding not only tissue-specific immune tolerance but also the etiology of complications during pregnancy, thus enabling preventive or therapeutic interventions in the future.

Involved external institutions

How to cite

APA:

Hardardottir, L., Bazzano, M.V., Glau, L., Gattinoni, L., Koeninger, A., Tolosa, E., & Solano, M.E. (2021). The New Old CD8+ T Cells in the Immune Paradox of Pregnancy. Frontiers in Immunology, 12. https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.765730

MLA:

Hardardottir, Lilja, et al. "The New Old CD8+ T Cells in the Immune Paradox of Pregnancy." Frontiers in Immunology 12 (2021).

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