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Fetal Regulatory T Cells and Peripheral Immune Tolerance In Utero: Implications for Development and Disease.
- Source :
-
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology . Apr2013, Vol. 69 Issue 4, p346-358. 13p. 1 Diagram. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10467408
- Volume :
- 69
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- American Journal of Reproductive Immunology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 86025876
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/aji.12083