The nature of the immune response in microbial-associated and sterile intraamniotic inflammation

Nardhy Gomez-Lopez, Roberto Romero

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The amniotic cavity harbors a unique cellular composition that varies in phenotype and origin from the second trimester to term. Such composition depends on the stimuli present in the amniotic cavity and chorioamniotic membranes: microbes, alarmins, or specific antigens. Microbes and alarmins can induce acute intraamniotic inflammation by activating the inflammasome. Chronic intraamniotic inflammation, however, seems to be mediated by amniotic fluid T-cell chemokines such as CXCL10. In the amniotic cavity, each immune cell subset exhibits specific functions: (1) neutrophils participate in host defense against infection by performing degranulation, phagocytosis, and forming neutrophil extracellular traps; (2) monocytes possess the cellular machinery (e.g., inflammasomes) to process and release proinflammatory cytokines upon sensing of microbes or alarmins; and (3) CD4+ T cells mediate inflammatory processes implicated in a subset of idiopathic preterm labor cases. These findings highlight the nature of the immune response in the amniotic cavity during normal pregnancy and its complications.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationReproductive Immunology
Subtitle of host publicationBasic Concepts
PublisherElsevier
Pages207-237
Number of pages31
ISBN (Electronic)9780128185087
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2021

Keywords

  • Amniotic fluid
  • Chorioamnionitis
  • Fetus
  • Funisitis
  • Immunity
  • Infection
  • Macrophages
  • Monocytes
  • Mother
  • Neutrophils

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The nature of the immune response in microbial-associated and sterile intraamniotic inflammation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this