The Role of Progesterone in the Feto-Maternal Immunological Relationship

Dear Colleagues,

Pregnancy represents a unique immunological situation. Though paternal antigens expressed by the conceptus are recognized by the immune system of the mother, the resulting immune response does not harm the fetus. Progesterone and a progesterone-induced protein, PIBF, play important roles in the readjustment of the functioning of the maternal immune system during pregnancy.

Progesterone is indispensable to the initiation as well as the maintenance of pregnancy. This hormone is required for decidual transformation of the endometrial stroma and uterine quiescence in myometrial smooth muscle cells. It supports the physiological functions of the uterine cervix, controls the invasiveness of the embryonic trophoblast and malignant tumors, and has a profound effect on the maternal anti-fetal immune response.

Our increasing knowledge of the diverse actions of progesterone can be translated into clinical treatments for various pregnancy disorders, e.g., recurrent implantation failure, recurrent miscarriage, preterm labor syndrome, and preeclampsia.

This Special Issue will cover the role of progesterone in the feto-maternal immunological interaction as well as its possible clinical implications.

Prof. Dr. Julia Szekeres-Bartho
Dr. Nandor Gabor Than
Guest Editors

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