Fetal regulatory T cells and peripheral immune tolerance in utero: implications for development and disease.
The developing fetus must actively learn to tolerate benign antigens or suffer the consequences of broken tolerance. Tolerance of self-antigens prevents development of autoimmune diseases and is achieved by both deletion of autoreactive T cell clones in the thymus (central tolerance) and by the suppressive influence of CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the periphery. Fetal CD4(+) T cells have a strong predisposition to differentiate into tolerogenic Tregs that actively promote self-tolerance, as well as tolerance to non-inherited antigens on chimeric maternal cells that reside in fetal tissues. As the fetus nears birth, a crucial transition must occur between the tolerogenic fetal immune system and a more defensive adult-type immune system that is able to combat pathogens. This paper will review the unique tolerogenic nature of fetal T cells and will examine evidence for a novel model of fetal immune development: the layered immune system hypothesis.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
- Pregnancy
- Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
- Immune Tolerance
- Humans
- Forkhead Transcription Factors
- Fetus
- Female
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
- Pregnancy
- Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
- Immune Tolerance
- Humans
- Forkhead Transcription Factors
- Fetus
- Female