Reproductive immunology. Modulation of immune responses in pregnancy and effects on pregnancy outcome
PhD ceremony: Mr. J.R. Prins, 14.30 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Dissertation: Reproductive immunology. Modulation of immune responses in pregnancy and effects on pregnancy outcome
Promotor(s): prof. J.G. Aarnoudse, prof. A.J.M. van Oosterhout, prof. S.A. Robertson
Faculty: Medical Sciences
Pregnancy is a unique immunological challenge in which an antigenically distinct fetus and placenta develop in the uterus of the mother. The complex mechanisms by which the fetus avoids rejection, despite expression of paternal antigens, still remain incompletely understood. Disturbances in maternal tolerance are implicated in infertility and reproductive pathologies. For most of these complications no cure has been found yet.
This thesis describes the role of several maternal immune cells and examines the influence of endogenous factors, such as cytokines, and exogenous factors, such as exposure to cigarette smoke and semen on the maternal immune system during pregnancy. Immune parameters were analysed in healthy and complicated pregnancies in both humans and mouse models.
Research showed that during pregnancy, the maternal immune system is regulated through different pathways to guarantee successful pregnancy outcome. Furthermore, the absence or failure of one of these mechanisms leads to a compensatory response of one of the other tolerance mechanisms which is probably necessary to guarantee a successful pregnancy outcome. Our work provides evidence for immunological changes in early pregnancy which lead to later complications. We suggest that during pregnancy several maternal factors, including endocrinal, immunological and environmental ones, will together influence the pregnancy outcome. The results generated in this thesis may provide clues for therapeutic strategies to strengthen immune tolerance in preparation for healthy pregnancy.
Last modified: | 13 March 2020 01.02 a.m. |
More news
-
29 April 2024
Tactile sensors
Every two weeks, UG Makers puts the spotlight on a researcher who has created something tangible, ranging from homemade measuring equipment for academic research to small or larger products that can change our daily lives. That is how UG...
-
29 April 2024
Royal Decoration awarded to Gerard van den Berg
The Faculty of Economics and Business is very proud to announce that Professor Gerard van den Berg has been appointed Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau. The decoration was presented to him by Mayor Koen Schuiling of the Municipality of...
-
18 April 2024
PET-scan expert Jan Pruim benoemd tot Officier in Orde van Oranje Nassau
Hoogleraar medische beeldvorming Jan Pruim is bij zijn afscheid van het UMCG benoemd tot Officier in de Orde van Oranje Nassau. De koninklijke versierselen werden hem op woensdag 17 april uitgereikt door burgemeester Koen Schuiling van de gemeente...