Immunology of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a unique symbiotic union between mother and fetus which contradicts many of the general rules of immunology. The maternal immune system reacts towards the foreign tissue, but instead of triggering rejection, it tolerates, supports and regulates its development. The immunological mechanisms allowing the fetus to grow and survive are complex and may be affected by internal and external factors which may result in pregnancy disorders including infertility, abortions and preeclamptic disease. In this book, leading scientists present the latest findings on the physiological mechanisms required for successful pregnancies, and the pathologies that may be caused by a disturbance of these mechanisms. The regulation of maternal NK cells, T cells and dendritic cells through hormones, cytokines, the complement system and HLA as well as other cell surface molecules is described in detail.